1927 - Australian Variety Theatre Archive · 2017-07-30 · Billy Bovis was seen to advantage in...

1927

Phil Smith's Zigzag Revue Company, engaged by the Fullers from December the previous year continued its season at their

Sydney theatre under the leadership of Nat Hanley, with Smith being otherwise engaged by the Fullers for their Melbourne

pantomime Puss in Boots. The troupe then moved to Melbourne where it played a season at the Bijou Theatre, with Smith back

on board. The repertoire still comprised a number of revusicals dating back to at least 1925. These included: On the Wheel, Just a

Girl, Mary's Lamb, Sweethearts and At the Party.

Stiffy and Mo opened at the Fuller's Sydney vaudeville headquarters on 19 March, having just completed four weeks in

Brisbane. The 29 week season, during which time they staged almost as many different revusicals, saw the pair break the Fullers'

record for consecutive performances on 9 September - their 300th

show (the previous record was held by Jim Gerald). Phillips and

Rene pushed this to 348 by the close of the season on 7 October. A number of reviews from this period indicate that Phillips (as

director) began extending the traditional one act length show (generally occupying around half the program) to almost the entire

program. Just It records in its 31 March issue: "The bill is practically all revue, punctuated with sundry vaudeville turns to allow

the stars to change into other clothes and think out fresh jokes" (28). Several weeks later (21 Apr.) the magazine's critic notes:

"There are many quick changes in the two acts of the present show… the revue at present has just enough patter to preserve a

semblance of continuity throughout, and the comedians are always about during the whole performance" (28). M. A. Keup,

vaudeville critic for Just It, provides some further insights into the Nat Phillips-produced revues of 1927. The [unnamed]

production for the week beginning 30 July, for example, contained at least five sketches - "Three Doors in a Passage," "The

Sailors," "Have a Drink," "Becky" and "The Nervous Patient" (4 Aug. 1927, 28). The Phillips and Rene combination moved to the

Fullers Melbourne theatre following their Sydney season.

Robert Roberts' Bon-Bon Revue Company, comprising some 30 performers and musicians,

toured the Fuller circuit during the year, including a season at the Bijou (Melbourne) ca.

September. The repertoire is believed to have been essentially revue - unrelated songs,

dance and comedy sketches rather than plot-driven works. Among the troupe's best known

performers were Will Gilbert and George Edwards.

The Bon-Bon company's Bijou Theatre (Melb) season was followed by Cyril Northcote

and Joe Brennan's Crack-a-Jack Revue Company (ca. Sept/Oct.). The troupe's repertoire is

also believed to have been a largely revue format rather than the plot-driven revusical.

The Jim Gerald Revue Company moved from Newcastle (New South Wales) to the

Fullers' Theatre (Sydney), opening there on 8 October. During 1927 and 1928 Gerald'

company also staged its own version of The Honeymoon Girl, an English musical success

originally produced at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London. It was also reportedly staged in

Australia some years previous by Hugh J. Ward's Company of Comedians (Brisbane Courier

2 Aug. 1927, 17). While M. Keup (Just It) records that the production was made up-to-date

by Jim Gerald through the inclusion of some new songs, jokes and dances (and changes

were also made following the Melbourne production, so as to make it "quite fresh to

Sydney audiences"), the narrative is believed to have remained essentially the same. The

seasons identified to date are Empire Theatre, Brisbane (6-19 Aug. 1927); Fullers Theatre,

Sydney (8-28 Oct. 1927, return season 17-23 Mar. 1928), Adelaide (ca. 22 Dec. 1928),

Tivoli Theatre, Melbourne (17-23 May 1930), Tivoli Theatre, Sydney (22-28 Jan. 1933)

and Tivoli Theatre, Melbourne (10-22 Aug. 1934).1

__________

FADS AND FROLICS: [revusical] Txt. Harry Ross; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Jan. - Feb.

- Dir. Harry Ross; Prod. Maurice Chenoweth (Clay's Bridge Theatre Ltd).

- Troupe: Harry Ross Miniature Musical Comedy Company.

- Cast incl. Harry Ross, Clara Keating (Fluffy), Joe Rox (Rusty), Ron Shand, Don Merle, Grace Quine, Yonas; The Six

Dorsetts,

- Circuit incl. Gaiety Theatre • Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah (8 Feb.) 1927: Minna's Hippodrome, Rockhampton (Queensland); 30 May - 6 June

- Dir. Harry Rosse; Prod. Minnie Mayer (Miss Minna); S Art. Julian Rose.

- Troupe: The Joybringers.

- Cast incl. Harry Ross, Clara Keating, Ted Stanley, Mabelle Morgan, Julian Rose, Les and Marjorie Austin, Carmena

and Carlos, and the Six Dorsetts.

1 M. A. Keup indicates that Gerald presented The Honeymoon Girl at the Grand Opera House (Melbourne) in 1927. A search of the Age and

Argus for that year has so far failed to locate this season. The musical score for the original English production was by Rudolph Nelson, H.

Sullivan Brooke and Herman Dareweski (ctd. Brisbane Courier 8 Aug. 1927, 28).

Register (Adelaide) 25 Nov. (1927),

2.

WILD OATS: [revusical] Txt. Phil Smith; Mus. [n/e]

Possibly written with input from several of the artists in the company, particularly Nat Hanley and Al Mack. A review of the

1927 Fullers' Theatre production records: "The curtain went up to discover a theatrical producer and author in full evening dress

making arrangements for the presentation of a new piece. The ballet, consisting of girls dressed in the neat black frocks and white

caps of ladies' maids, was first instructed in its duties; then the two officials (played by Sydney Smith and Al Mack) found they

had omitted to provide for a comedian. Just at this moment a sweet seller in the side aisle began to cry his wares loudly; and the

audience, momentarily taken by surprise, turned round to see Nat Hanley standing there, equipped with a striped hat and a tray of

confectionary. After some repartee, he was coaxed onto the stage, and there caused roars of mirth by his simulations of coyness"

(Fullers' Theatre, 8).

1927: Fullers' Theatre, Sydney; 15-21 Jan.

- Dir. Nat Hanley (for Phil Smith); Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd.

- Troupe: Phil Smith's Zigzag Revue Troupe.

- Cast incl. Nat Hanley, Al Mack, Bertie Wright, Phyllis Nicholson, Sydney Smith, Nellie Dean, Bert Keats, Dorothy

Grace, Oliver McLennan, Florence Hunter, Mildred O'Brien.

"Fullers' Theatre." Sydney Morning Herald 17 Jan. (1927), 8.

THE BLACK EAGLE: [ revusical] Txt. F. Gayle Wyer; Mus. [n/e]

"With purely American settings," writes a critic for the Perth Mirror, The Black Eagle "depicts a ranch in which cowboys and

cowgirls are seen galore, some novel comedy interludes are included, and the singing numbers and dances are appropriate"

("Cowboys and Indians," 6). The Daily News provides additional reportage from the debut Perth production:

Following its usual procedure, the company offered a programme the first half of which

comprised individual vaudeville items, while the latter half of the bill took the form of a

revuette, which embraced a series of clever musical and dance numbers. The theme of the

sketch dealt with a visit to a Western American town of a bandit, whose greatest sorrow

was that he could usually commit only two or three murders a day. The 'bad lad' visited

the store of Izzy Cohen (Sam ward), who in conjunction with Grubby McNutt (Charlie

Norman), provided considerable amusement in the role of deputy sheriff. Norman,

playing the part of a half-crazed seller of horse medicine was particularly amusing both in

his attempts to force his article on unsuspecting buyers and in his role of deputy sheriff.

Billy Bovis was seen to advantage in the role of the gunman, and Gayle Wyer played the

matter-of-fact sheriff. Musical numbers which punctuated the revuette included "Out

Where the Blue Begins," "Mexican Rose," and "I'm a Real Wise Guy" ("Band Box," 8).

The Advertiser (Adelaide) describes F. Gayle Wyer's role as that of a dryly

humorous sheriff who packed a gun and a joke with equal facility ("Bright Show," 7).

Other songs from 1927 included: "Bronco Nell" (sung by Heather Jones), "I'd Kiss

You if Only I Had the Nerve" (F. Gayle Wyer), "Wild Wild Woman from the West" (Elsa

Scott), and "Ragtime Cowboy Joe." "Mexican Rose was sung by Ethel Hartley and "A

Real Wise Guy by Charles Norman.

1927: Luxor Theatre, Perth; 15-21 Jan. [Australian Premiere]

- Dir. F. Gayle Wyer; Prod. Fullers' Theatres.

- Troupe: F. Gayle Wyer's Band Box Revue Co.

- Cast incl. F. Gayle Wyer (sherrif), Charles Norman (deputy), Sam J. Ward

(old-timer), Billy Bovis (the outlaw), Vera Benson, Heather Jones (ranch girl),

Ward Lear Jnr, Ethel Hartley, Elsa Scott; Syncopated Six.

1927: Majestic Theatre, Adelaide; 2-8 July



- Cast incl. F. Gayle Wyer, Charles Norman, Billy Bovis, Sam J. Ward, Elsa Scott, Vera Benson, Heather Jones, Ward

Lear Jnr, Ethel Hartley, Elsa Scott; Syncopated Six.

1928: Fullers Theatre, Sydney; 1-7 Sept.



- Cast incl. F. Gayle Wyer, Charles Norman, Harry Gould, Loris Bingham, Elsa Scott, Daisy Yates, Dorothy Rudder.

NB 1: It is likely that The Black Eagle was staged during Wyer's 1927/28 New Zealand tour. No details are currently available.

"Band Box Revue." Daily News (Perth) 17 Jan. (1927), 8.

"Bright Show: Novel Turns at the Majestic, A." Advertiser (Adelaide) 4 July (1927), 7.

"Cowboys and Indians: New Luxor Show." Mirror (Perth) 15 Jan. (1927), 6.

THE WEDDING PARTY: [revusical] Txt. Nat Phillips; Mus. [n/e]

A newly wedded couple set out on their honeymoon but unexpectedly encounter the antics of Stiffy and Erb, "a couple of

'buttinskis' whose fate in the ladder of life had called upon them to act as waiters in a fashionable restaurant" ("Empire Theatre," 16).

Daily News (Perth) 15 Jan. (1927), 12.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/16347831



http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/page/7436321

The action and laughs are played out in the restaurant as the couple, their friends and the bride's parents attempt to cope with each

other and the two larrikin waiters.

Songs incorporated into the 1927 Brisbane production included: "A String of Pearls" and "Tiptoe" (performed by May

Laurence), "Every Time I See You" (Polly Power), "Lonesome and Sorry" (Dorothy Manning), and a yodeling song performed by

Harry Cash.

1927: Empire Theatre, Brisbane; 22-28 Jan.

- Dir. Nat Phillips; Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd; M Dir. Frank Wilson.

- Troupe: Nat Phillips' Whirligigs [aka Stiffy and 'Erb]

- Cast incl. Nat Phillips (Stiffy), Jack Kellaway ('Erb), Daisy Merritt (the bride's mother), Dan M. Dunbar (the bride's

father), Harry Cash (the best man), Hilda Laurence (the bride's friend), Dan Weldon, Dorothy Manning, Polly Power;

and the Radio Six.

- Musicians: Charleston Super Six Symphonists - Frank Wilson (trombone/accordion), "Tiny" Douglas (violin), Les

Clements (pianio), Art Dewar (banjo), Frank Morton (cornet), and Bebe Lewis (sax).

- The Wedding Party was staged as a first part entertainment, with The Shopwalkers (a revusical previously presented

by Phillips' Stiffy and Mo company) as the second half of the programme.

- This revusical was likely to have premiered prior to the Whirligigs' 1926-27 Brisbane season.

"Empire Theatre." Brisbane Courier 24 Jan. (1927), 16.

BUYING A BUSINESS: [revusical] Txt. Nat Phillips; Mus. [n/e]

The Brisbane Courier records:

As usual Stiffy (Mr Nat Phillips) plays an important part in the success of the production… Everything he does has a quaintly

original touch, and his humour never flags. The 'buying of the business' by Stiffy and 'Erb leads to a host of amusing

situations, and many weird and wonderful business deals are finalized - always to the discomfiture of the gullible Stiffy. His

efforts to recoup himself invariably ended in further monetary loses, in which the ethics of true business were not always

rigidly observed. Woven into the revue are many colourful ballets which are daintily executed by as bright a bevy of girls as

ever stepped [on] a stage ("Empire Theatre," 18).

One of the songs incorporated in the revusical was "Maggie Dooly" (sung by Daisy Merritt).

1927: Empire Theatre, Brisbane; 29 Jan. - 4 Feb.



- Cast incl. Nat Phillips (Stiffy), Jack Kellaway ('Erb), Daisy Merritt, Dan M. Dunbar, Dan Weldon, Dorothy Manning,

Polly Power; and the Radio Six.


Clements (pianio), Art Dewar (banjo), Frank Morton (cornet), and Bebe Lewis (sax). - NB: This revusical was likely to have premiered prior to the Whirligigs' 1926-27 Brisbane season.

NB: Jack Kellaway's surname is often spelled Kelleway in reviews and advertising.

"Empire, The." Brisbane Courier 31 Jan. (1927), 13.

MARY'S LAMB: [revusical] Txt. Phil Smith; Mus. [n/e]

Possibly written with input from several of the artists in the

company, particularly Nat Hanley and Al Mack. The plot sees "a gay

Lothario of a husband being kept under the eye of a suspicious wife

until [she] is bowled out in a little indiscretion of her own"

("Vaudeville," 28).

1927: Fullers' Theatre, Sydney; 29 Jan. - 4 Feb

- Dir. Nat Hanley (for Phil Smith); Prod. Fullers' Theatres

Ltd.


- Cast incl. Nat Hanley, Al Mack, Bertie Wright, Phyllis

Nicholson, Nellie Dean, Bert Keats, Dorothy Grace, Oliver

McLennan, Mildred O'Brien, Florence Hunter, Sydney

Smith.

"Vaudeville." Just It 3 Feb. (1927), 28.

Sydney Morning Herald 29 Jan. (1927), 2.



HOW ABOUT HANNAH [aka ALL ABOUT HANNAH]: [musical comedy] Txt. F. Gayle Wyer;

Mus. [n/e]

A three act musical comedy, "with a real plot, [All About Hannah] deals mostly with a young man who is in love with an

actress and who later falls in love with the daughter of a Sausage King. He wishes to marry her, and assisted by his pal discovers

that the further they try to get out of their bother the greater the mix-up" ("Novel Attraction," 15). The "unpunctual lover" eventually

marries the actress instead of his fiancée, while the pal marries the Sausage King's daughter. Much of the entertainment, writes the

Adelaide Advertiser's theatre critic, revolves around the forsaken lady herself ("Majestic Theatre," 15).

Songs performed in the 1927 production included: "I'm Waiting for Ships" (sung by F. Gayle Wyer), "Take a Little One-

Step" and "A Cup of Coffee, a Sandwich and You" (Charles Norman), "I'm Heading for Louisville" (Heather Jones), and "Give

Me a Little Kiss" (Yorke Gray and Daisy Yates).

1927: Luxor Theatre, Perth; 29 Jan. - 4 Feb. [as All About Hannah]



- Cast incl. F. Gayle Wyer, Charles Norman, Billy Bovis, Sam J. Ward, Heather Jones, Vera Benson, Ward Lear Jnr,

Ethel Hartley, Elsa Scott,

Yorke Gray, Daisy Yates; Syncopated Six.

- Yorke Gray and Daisy Yates are believed to have been special guest performers.

1927: Majestic Theatre, Adelaide; 16-22 July



- Cast incl. F. Gayle Wyer, Charles Norman, Billy Bovis, Sam J. Ward, Elsa Scott, Vera Benson, Heather Jones, Ward

Lear Jnr, Ethel Hartley, Elsa Scott; Syncopated Six.

1928: Fullers Theatre, Sydney; 11-17 Aug.



- Cast incl. F. Gayle Wyer, Charles Norman, Harry Gould, Loris Bingham, Elsa Scott, Daisy Yates, Dorothy Rudder.

NB 1: It is likely that All About Hannah was staged during Wyer's 1927/28 New Zealand tour. No details are currently available.

F Gayle Wyer Chorus

Sunday Times (Perth) 23 Jan (1927), 13.

"Majestic Theatre: Unique Occurrence on Programme, The." Advertiser (Adelaide) 18 July (1927), 15.

"Novel Attraction: At the Luxor, A." Sunday Times (Perth) 30 Jan. (1927), 15.

THE MUSTARD POT: [revusical] Txt. Nat Phillips; Mus. [n/e]

"The Mustard Pot was what it pleased Nat Phillips to call his revuette," records the Brisbane Courier, "because that was the

name of the inn which formed the setting for the antics of himself and his supporters. Stiffy and 'Erb were in their favourite roles

as two knights of the road with voracious appetites and no money. The shifts they put on to get something to eat and then evade

payment provide all the fun that could be desired" ("Empire Theatre," 22).

Songs known to have been incorporated into the 1927 Brisbane production included: "Dreams of Long Ago" (sung by Hal

Cooper) and "Cavelier" (Dorothy Manning). NB: It is not clear what relationship this revusical has with an earlier Stiffy and Mo production, What Oh Tonight (1916). Both works

appear to have similar plots and situation.

1927: Empire Theatre, Brisbane; 12-18 Feb.



- Cast incl. Nat Phillips (Stiffy), Jack Kellaway ('Erb), Daisy Merritt, Dan M. Dunbar, Dan Weldon, Dorothy Manning,

Polly Power, Hal Cooper; and the Radio Six.


Clements (pianio), Art Dewar (banjo), Frank Morton (cornet), and Bebe Lewis (sax). - NB: This revusical was likely to have premiered prior to the 1926 Brisbane season. The Brisbane season was the final Stiffy and

'Erb revusical, with Nat Phillips and Roy Rene teaming up again as Stiffy and Mo the following week. The first Stiffy and Mo

production, billed as Back Again, co-starred Jack Kellaway as 'Erb.



1929: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 28 Jan - 1 Feb.

- Dir. Nat Phillips; Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd; M Dir. Tiny Douglas.

- Troupe: Nat Phillips' Whirligigs.

- Cast incl. Nat Phillips (Stiffy, Jack Kellaway ('Erb), Daisy Merritt, Al Mack, Jack Scott, Tom Collins, Dan M.

Dunbar, Kitty Stewart, Winnie Edgerton, Grace Savieri, and the Radio Six.

- Musicians: Tiny's Varsity Boys.

- This was the final production for the 1928/1929 Melbourne season.


"Empire Theatre." Brisbane Courier 14 Feb. (1927), 22.

DOTS AND SPOTS: [revusical] Txt. Charles Delavale; Mus. [n/e]

"A military laughter revue" (St George Call 11 Feb. 1927, 4).

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Jan/Feb.

- Dir. Charles Delavale; Prod. Maurice Chenoweth (Clay's Bridge Theatre Ltd); Chor. Elvie Stagpoole.

- Troupe: Ike Delavale and Company.

- Cast incl. Charles Delavale, Elvie Stagpoole, Les Shipp, Mabel Morgan, Renton and Ellen, the Mimosa Duo; and the

Gaiety Girls.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah (15 Feb.).

MIXED DOUBLES: [musical comedy revue] Txt. F. Gayle Wyer; Mus. [n/e]

"The revue this week is Mixed Doubles, and as usual Mr Wyer has contrived to combine the maximum of humour with the

minimum of plot. The mix-up concerns a baby and a dog, and baby lovers and dog lovers alike are bewildered before the end of

the smart little show" ("Majestic Theatre," 12). The work was written by Wyer during his company's 1926/27 Perth season.

1927: Luxor Theatre, Perth; 19-25 Feb.



- Cast incl. F. Gayle Wyer, Charles Norman, Billy Bovis,

Sam J. Ward, Vera Benson, Heather Jones, Ward Lear

Jnr, Ethel Hartley, Elsa Scott; Syncopated Six.

1927: Majestic Theatre, Adelaide; 4-10 June

- Cast and production mostly as for previous Perth Season.

1928: Fullers Theatre, Sydney; 25-31 Aug.



- Cast incl. F. Gayle Wyer, Charles Norman, Harry Gould,

Loris Bingham, Elsa Scott, Daisy Yates, Dorothy

Rudder.

NB 1: It is likely that Mixed Doubles was staged during Wyer's

1927/28 New Zealand tour. No details are currently available.

"Majestic Theatre: A Snappy Show, The." Advertiser 6 June (1927), 12.

HAVE A BATH, SIR!: [revusical] Txt. Nat Phillips; Mus. [n/e]

It has not yet been established whether this revusical is the same as, or has been adapted from, another Nat Phillips'

production In the Sanatorium (1919). Both works appear to be set in the same asylum location and comprise similar characters.

As Have a Bath, Sir!, the first known production was undertaken during the second week of the 1927 Stiffy and Mo reunion.

The Brisbane Courier reports on the occasion: "So great is their popularity that once again many had to be turned away, the house

having been full long before 8 o'clock… There was a healthy mixture of nonsense in Have a Bath, Sir which was billed as 'a

musical comedy revuette,' in which Dr Dapper (Dan Weldon), the matron (Dorothy Manning), Dr Mo (Roy Rene), Stiffy (Nat

Phillips), the lunatic who wheels his barrow upside down for fear someone might put bricks in it (Jack Kellaway), Miss Monotony

(Polly Power), Mr Nearly Better (Hal Cooper), and the neurotic patients (the Charleston Boys) appeared at their best" ("Empire

Theatre," 16).

1927: Empire Theatre, Brisbane; 26 Feb. - 4 Mar.


- Troupe: Nat Phillips' Whirligigs

- Cast incl. Nat Phillips (Stiffy), Roy Rene (Dr Mo), Jack Kellaway (the lunatic), Daisy Merritt, Dan M. Dunbar, Dan

Weldon (Dr Dapper), Dorothy Manning (Matron), Polly Power (Miss Monotony), Hal Cooper (Mr Nearly Better); the

Radio Six (nurses) and Charleston Super Six Symphonists (patients).



Art Dewar (banjo), Frank Morton (cornet), Les Clements (piano).

Sunday Times (Perth) 20 Feb. (1927), 15.




"Empire, The." Brisbane Courier 28 Feb. (1927), 16.

OFF TO BED: [revusical] Txt. Bert Desmond; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Feb.

- Dir. Bert Desmond; Prod. Maurice Chenoweth (Clay's Bridge Theatre Ltd).

- Troupe: Mugsy Desmond Company.

- Cast incl. Bert Desmond, Mattie Jansen, Hal Scott, Connie Graham, George Lloyd, Fred Deal, The Three Loraynes,

The Five Georges.

- Itinerary incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (5-11 Feb.) • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah.

St George Call (Kogarah, NSW) 18 Feb. (1927), 4.

MY WIFE'S BABY: [revusical] Txt. Billy Cass; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Feb.

- Dir. Billy Cass; Prod. Maurice Chenoweth (Clay's Bridge Theatre Ltd).

- Troupe: Skeeta Cass Revue Company.

- Cast incl. Billy Cass, Ivy Cass, Violet Elliott, Will Miller, Laurie Lorraine; and the Six Ramblers.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (12-16 Feb.) • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah.

JOE'S JEST: [revusical] Txt. Harry Ross; Mus. [n/e]

Also adversted as Joe's Jeste.

1927: Harry Clay's Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Feb/Mar


- Troupe: Harry Ross Revue Company.

- Cast incl. Harry Ross, Clara Keating (Fluffy), Joe Rox (Rustry), Grace Quine.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah (8 Mar.).

MARRIED BACHELORS: [revusical] Txt. Billy Cass; Mus. [n/e]

"An amusing domestic tangle is well portrayed per medium of sparkling music, jolly dialogue and exceptional dances" (Just It

10 Mar. 1927, 29).

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Mar.




- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (5-11 Mar.) • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah.

BY COMMAND: [revusical] Txt. Harry Ross; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city, suburban and Hunter Valley circuit; ca. 19 Mar. - ca. Apr.



- Cast incl. Harry Ross, Clara Keating (Fluffy), Joe Rox (Rusty), Grace Quine, Sylvaney and Scott.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (19-25 Mar.) • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah (2 Apr.) • Maitland

Town Hall (5 Apr.).

ABOARD THE LUGGER: [revusical] Txt. Charles Delavale; Mus. [n/e]

Described in advertising as a "nautical scream." NB: Jim Gerald staged a revusical called Once Aboard a Lugger on the Fullers circuit in 1926. These were likely different works despite

the similarity in titles. Both were possibly adapted or influcned by the 1920 Britsih comedy film, however.

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Mar/Apr.



- Cast incl. Charles Delavale, Elvie Stagpoole, Les Shipp, Mabel Morgan, Violet Elliott [2], Hazel Coomber; and the

Gaiety Girls.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah (12 Apr.).


WANTED, A WIFE: [revusical] Txt. Phil Smith; Mus. [n/e]

Possibly written with input from several of the artists in the company,

particularly Nat Hanley and Al Mack.

1927: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 16-22 Apr.

- Dir. Phil Smith; Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd.


- Cast incl. Phil Smith, Nat Hanley, Tony O'Brien, Syd Smith, Vernon Sellars, Mildred O'Brien, Florence Hunter, Patsy

Hill, Dulcie Thorne.

A HOT NIGHT: [revusical] Txt. Phil Smith; Mus. [n/e]

Possibly written with input from several of the artists in the company,

particularly Nat Hanley and Al Mack.

1927: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 23-29 Apr.

- Dir. Phil Smith; Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd.


- Cast incl. Phil Smith, Nat Hanley, Tony O'Brien, Syd Smith, Vernon

Sellars, Mildred O'Brien, Florence Hunter, Patsy Hill, Dulcie Thorne.

GOANNA CREEK: [revusical] Txt. Bert Desmond; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Apr.

- Dir. Bert Desmond; Prod. Maurice Chenoweth (Clay's Bridge Theatre

Ltd).

- Troupe: Mugsy Desmond Revue Company.

- Cast incl. Bert Desmond, Mattie Jansen, Hal Scott, Connie Graham,

George Lloyd, Fred Deal.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (2-8 Apr.) •

Carlton Theatre, Kogarah.

C. O. D: [revusical] Txt. Harry Ross; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; 9 Apr. - ca. May



- Cast incl. Harry Ross, Clara Keating.

- Produced as a part of a revue/revusical programme - with 25 Whizz-Bangs [below].

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (9-15 Apr.) • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah (3 May).

25 WHIZZ-BANGS [aka WHIZZ-BANGS]: [revue] Txt. Harry Ross; Mus. n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. 9 Apr. - ca. May



- Cast incl. Charles Delavale, Elvie Stagpoole, Les Shipp, Mabel Morgan, Morris and Vane, Stan Cartnell; and the

Gaiety Girls.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah (3 May).

- Produced as a part of a double revusical bill with C.O.D. [above].

1927: Minna's Hippodrome, Rockhampton (Queensland); 17-23 June [as Whizz-Bangs]





- Produced as a part of a revue/revusical programme - with Count Ivanitch (1926).

WILD WOMEN: [revusical] Txt. Billy Cass; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Apr/May



- Cast incl. Billy Cass, Ivy Cass, Violet Elliott (Queen of Jambo Island), Will Miller, Laurie Lorraine; and the Six

Ramblers.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (30 Apr. - 6 May) • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah.

Argus 23 Apr. (1927), 30.

CRISS CROSS: [revusical] Txt. Charles Delavale; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Apr/May



- Cast incl. Charles Delavale, Elvie Stagpoole, Les Shipp, Mabel Morgan, Morris and Vane, Stan Cartnell; and the

Gaiety Girls.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah (10 May).

THE LURE OF THE RING: [revusical] Txt. George H. Ward and Bert Le Blanc; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 7-13 May

- Dir. George H. Ward; Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd.

- Troupe: George Ward Revue Co.

- Cast incl. George H. Ward, Bert Le Blanc, Carlton Chase, Ern Delavale, Will Beresford, Lily Vockler, Winnie

Edgerton, Valerie Rougal, Grace Savieri.

- This was the opening production for the 1927 Bijou engagement (the season lasted up until 15 Sept.).

KEEPING FIT: [revusical] Txt. George H. Ward and Bert Le Blanc; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 14-20 May





£100,000: [revusical] Txt. George Wallace; Mus. [n/e]

£100,000 "is the story of a missing heir, to whom the inimitable little

comedian [George Wallace] is supposed to bear some resemblance, and how [he]

is pounced upon by an unscrupulous lawyer and made to masquerade as the

claimant to the fortune provides material for plenty of good, clean humour"

(Evening Post 31 May 1927, 6). "All goes well until the real heir turns up just as the

impostor is about to claim the money, but the genuine claimant takes the porter

to his heart and everything ends happily. The revue is probably the brightest and

smartest yet presented by the company is full of clean humour, good dancing and

lilting musical numbers" (Evening Post 2 June 1927, 6).

The Evening Post review notes that Wallace's ballet/chorus was supported

for the Wellington season by Fullers' Eleven Rascals, which presented an

acrobatic act. "One of the elder girls in the troupe," writes the papers critic,

"does a clever and original wire-walking turn" (2 June 1927, 6).

1927: His Majesty's Theatre, Wellington (NZ); 30 May - 5 June - Dir. George Wallace; Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd; M Dir. Mr Stokes.

- Troupe: George Wallace Revue Company.

- Cast incl. George Wallace, Marshall Crosby, Lulla Fanning, Letty

Craydon, Al Mack, Marie Nyman, Les Daly, Kathleen Mack,

Leonard Durell, Ada Scaddan, Frank Haining, Tom Lincoln, Hylton

Scadden, Marilyn McGill; and the Six Rascals.

- Special guests: Fullers 11 Rascals. - NB: £00,000 was likely given a number of productions during the company's

1928-28 New Zealand tour, including the Dunedin season (20 June - 2 Sept.

1927). Details regarding these are currently unavailable, however.

"His Majesty's Theatre." Eveming Post (Wellington, NZ) 31 May (1927), 6.

"His Majesty's Theatre." Eveming Post (Wellington, NZ) 1 June (1927), 6.

IN MEXICO: [revusical] Txt. Billy Cass; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. May/June




- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (28 May - 3 June) • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah.

RECORDS: [revusical] Txt. Charles Delavale; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. May/June

Evening Post 30 May (1927), 2.

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19270531.2.23.11&srpos=

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19270601.2.10.20&srpos=

- Dir. Charles Delavale; Prod. Maurice Chenoweth (Clay's Bridge Theatre Ltd).


- Cast incl. Ike Delavale, Bessie and Eileen Phillips, Mark Erickson, Elvie Stagpoole, Hartley Court, Frank Moran,

The Gaiety Girls.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (21-27 May) • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah (7 June).

KU-KLUX-KLAN: [revusical] Txt. George H. Ward and Bert Le Blanc; Mus. [n/e]

Advertising notes that Little Hermie, was in this revusical the 'world's greatest detective' (Age 11 June 1927, 26)

1927: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 11-17 June



- Cast incl. George H. Ward (Hermie), Bert Le Blanc, Carlton Chase, Ern Delavale, Will Beresford, Lily Vockler,

Winnie Edgerton, Valerie Rougal, Grace Savieri.

DIXIE MAID: [revusical] Txt. Harry Ross; Mus. [n/e]

Described in advertising as a "sensational racing comedy."

1927: Minna's Hippodrome, Rockhampton (Queensland); 17-23 June





CHUCKLES: [aka SENATOR COHEN] [revusical] Txt. Charles Delavale; Mus. [n/e]

Charles Delavale is "Ike" is a janitor "no bank manager could reject" in this "musical revuette," which concerns itself with

the matrimonial differences between a jealous husband and his wife. Other characters include a woman, Susie, and a bank

manager. A critic writing for Brisbane's Sunday Mail further notes: '"Chuckles, in the second half, is a little bit of domestic drama

thrown in as it were to give substance to things that have nothing to do with it; yet it is these items that amuse the most. The drama

itself eventually becomes chaotic and is finally lost in a whirligig of song and dancing ("Chuckles," 11). The same city's Telegraph

newspaper records: "At the opening of the piece Mrs White is the jealous party, but in order to make her husband jealous she

engages Ike Cohen... to make love to her. This he does in a very convincing way." Other humorous incidents are provided by

Kitty the maid, her lover (Mrs White's chauffeur), and Lightning the butler ("Empire," 13).

Chuckles was the opening production for Delavale's 1928 seasons in Brisbane,

Melbourne and Sydney. For his 1929 Perth season in Perth Delavae renamed and re-

worked Chucklers as Senator Cohen. It was also the first show to be staged. While

the names of several leading characters are the same in both works (aka the Whites),

the hotel setting appears to have been changed to a club. Another possible change

was with Delavale's character. In Chuckles Ike is a janitor who Mrs White employs

to "make love to her" (there is no mention of a senator in any reviews located to

date). In the 1929 version Ike impersonates a senator for the same purpose (his

employment position at the time is not recorded). The name of the chauffer is

changed, too, from "Lightening" to "Tough Peter."2 Well-recived by the local critics,

one scribe wrote of its plot:

The second part of the programme consisted of a revue entitled Senator Cohen,

which gave prominence to Ike Dielavale in the title role. The story concerned

adventures of Billy White, a jealous husband, and his equally jealous wife. The

husband shows a marked partiality for his club life to the neglect of his domestic

responsibilities, and his wife conceives the idea of making him jealous to cure his

wandering habits. She therefore employs Ike Cohen to impersonate a senator of

the same surname and make love to her. The resulting complications are amusing,

but the cure for jealousy proves effective ("Luxor," 7).

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. June/July

- Dir. Charles Delavale; Prod. Maurice Chenoweth (Clay's Bridge Theatre

Ltd); Chor. Elvie Stagpoole.


- Cast incl. Ike Delavale, Bessie and Eileen Phillips, Mark Erickson, Elvie Stagpoole, Hartley Court, Frank Moran, The

Gaiety Girls.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah (15 July).

1928: Victoria Theatre, Newcastle; 21 Apr.

- Dir. Charles Delavale; Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd; Chor. Elvie Stagpoole.

- Troupe: Ike Delavale's Revue Company.

2 The character "Tough Peter" appears in at least one other Delavale revusical.

.Argus 13 July (1928), 18

- Cast incl. Charles Delavale (Ike), Tommy Dale (Billy White), Freda Spry (Mrs White), Elvie Stagpoole (Kitty), Reg

Hawthorne (her lover), Bert Dudley (Lightening), Evelyn Dudley, Mona Thomas, Neva Carr-Glynn, Charles Megan;

and the Tango Six Ballet.

1928: Empire Theatre, Brisbane; 5-11 May



- Cast incl. Charles Delavale (Ike), Tommy Dale (Billy White), Freda Spry (Mrs White), Elvie Stagpoole (Kitty), Reg

Hawthorne (her lover), Bert Dudley (Lightening), Evelyn Dudley, Mona Thomas, Neva Carr-Glynn, Charles Megan;

and the Tango Six Ballet.

1928: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 14-20 July



- Cast incl. Charles Delavale (Ike), Reg Hawthorne, Elvie Stagpoole, Tommy Dale (the Husband), Freda Spry (the

Wife), Lulla Fanning (Susie), Mona Thomas, Arline Patterson, Robert Roberts, Charlie Megan, Tango Six Ballet.

1928: Fullers' Theatre, Sydney; 6-12 Oct.

- Cast and production mostly as for Melbourne. Bert and Evelyn Dudley replaced Robert Roberst and Arline Patterson.

1929: Luxor Theatre, Perth; 25-31 May [as Senator Cohen]

- Dir. Charles Delavale; Prod. C.G. Killick and F.W. Wilson (Luxor Entertainments Ltd); M Dir. Winifred Walker;

Chor. Elvie Stagpoole; S Art. Ted Taylor; Cost. Madame Grigo.

- Troupe: Ike Delavale's Whizz-Bangs.

- Cast incl. Ike Delavale (Ike Cohen), Morrie Barling (Tough Pete), Bob Raymond, Alex McKinnon, Colleen Hope,

Freda Spry, Elsie Hosking, Doris O'Shea, Elvie Stagpoole; and the Whizz-Bang Eight.

1931: Theatre Royal, Brisbane; 28 Nov. - 4 Dec.

- Dir. Charles Delavale; M Dir. Nina Hutton; Chor. Elvie Stagpoole.

- Troupe: Ike Delavale's Metropolitan Star Company.

- Cast incl. Charles Delavale, Ron Shand, Elvie Stagpoole, Marie La Varre, Lewola Brothers, Colleen Hope, Reg

Desmond, Doris Tindall, Lee Murray, Jeanette and Vince, Alma Patterson; and Red Hot Peppers.

- Musicians: Six Royal Syncopators.

NB: Reg Hawthorne, Tommy Dale and Mona Thomas (all members of Jim Gerald's Revue Company) were temporarily with Delavale

in 1928 while Gerald was travelling overseas.

"Bijou Theatre." Age 16 July (1928), 11.

"Chuckles: Empire Theatre." Sunday Mail (Brisbane) 6 May (1928), 11.

"Empire, The." Telegraph (Brisbane) 7 May (1928), 13.

"Luxor Theatre: Ike Delavale's Company." West Australian 27 May (1929), 7. "New Revue Company: Mr Delavale at Bijou." Argus 16 July (1928), 14.

STAR SHELLS: [revusical] Txt. Harry Ross; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Minna's Hippodrome, Rockhampton (Queensland); 1-2 July





- This was the last-ever Harry Ross revusical. The comedian/producer died a little over a month later.

CONVICTS IN CLOVER: [revusical] Txt. Nat Phillips; Mus. [n/e]

# FHC, n. yr. [character parts - Nat Phillips Collection; Fryer Library – UQFL9, Box 1]

M. A. Keup, writing in his Just It column "Vaudeville" says of this Nat Phillips revusical: "Golf with the governor of the

prison as one of the means of the prisoners recreation, afternoon tea served by a very attractive waitress, and solicitous warders

constantly inquiring if there [are] any complaints, [make] life behind prison bars an idyllic experience" (28). One of the

vaudeville-style musical sketches introduced into the narrative, with Stiffy and Mo in the leading roles, was titled "Ham-let."

Songs performed in the 1927 production included: "Clap Hands" and "My Hero," both sung by Amy Rochelle. NB: The Nat Phillips Collection (Fryer Library, University of Queensland) contains the character parts "The Comic" and "The Governor."

1927: Fullers' Theatre, Sydney; 9-15 July

- Dir. Nat Phillips; Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd.

- Troupe: Stiffy and Mo Revue Company.

- Cast incl. Nat Phillips (Stiffy), Roy Rene (Mo), Daisy Merritt, Jack Kellaway, Alec Davidson, Sadie Gale, Amy

Rochelle, Harry Ross, Statler Sisters, and the Six Radio Girls.




Keup, M. A. "Vaudeville." Just It 14 July (1927), 28.


http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/100128669




BOMBS AND BEAUTIES: [revusical] Txt. George H. Ward and Bert Le Blanc; Mus. [n/e] NB: It is unclear if this revusical is related to a similarly titled production staged

by Nat Hanley (see 1919 entry).

1927: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 23-29 July



- Cast incl. George H. Ward, Bert Le Blanc, Carlton Chase, Ern

Delavale, Will Beresford, Lily Vockler, Winnie Edgerton,

Valerie Rougal, Grace Savieri.

OH BOY: [revusical] Txt. George H. Ward and Bert Le Blanc; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 30 July - 5 Aug.



- Cast incl. George H. Ward, Bert Le Blanc, Carlton Chase, Ern

Delavale, Will Beresford, Lily Vockler, Winnie Edgerton, Valerie

Rougal, Grace Savieri.

THE ROARING RAJAH: [revusical] Txt. Billy Cass; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. July



- Cast incl. Billy Cass, Ivy Cass, Violet Elliott, Will Miller, Laurie Lorraine; Clyde and Yvette, Marjory Seymour; and

the Six Ramblers.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (2-8 July) • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah.

ALASKA: [revusical] Txt. Bert Desmond; Mus. [n/e]

"A bright revue bearing on the land that Russia considered useless and sold to Uncle Sam many moons ago." The settings

included the Alaskan towns of Nome and Valdez, as well as picturesque snow-clad country (Just It 21 July 1927, 28).

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. July/Aug.


- Troupe: Mugsy Desmond Company.

- Cast incl. Bert Desmond, Mattie Jansen, Hal Scott, Connie Graham, the Five Georges.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (16-22 July) • Carlton Theatre.

MONKEY GLANDS: [revusical] Txt. Billy Cass; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. July/Aug.



- Cast incl. Billy Cass, Ivy Cass, Violet Elliott, Will Miller, Laurie Lorraine; Clyde and Yvette, Marjory Seymour; and

the Six Ramblers.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (23-29 July) • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah.

BANG BANG: [revusical] Txt. Charles Delavale; Mus. [n/e]

NB: It is possible that this work was produced the following year under the title Explosions (1928). 1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. July/Aug.


- Troupe: "Ike" Delavale and Company.

- Cast incl. Charles Delavale, Elvie Stagpoole.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (30 July - 5 Aug.) • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah (9 Aug.).

Keup, M. A. "Clay's." Just It 4 Aug. (1927), 28.

PRINCE CHARMING: [pantomime] Lib/Mus. [n/e]

Enacted entirely by Brisbane children, Prince Charming was staged for one week as an additional entertainment to

accompany the Majestic Theatre's usual fare of films. Although the authorship is unclear, the story contains several typically

Australian character names (Demon Bunyip and Princess Wattleblossom, for example) suggesting that if not an original creation

then is was likely adapted and localised for the Majestic season (possibly by Peggy Hearle).

The story comprised four scenes: Sc 1. The King's Palace; Sc 2. The Prince's Castle; Sc 3. The Demon's Cave; and Sc 4.

Wedding Bells.

Argus 23 July (1927), 36.

The musical program compiled for the pantomime included solos, duets, trios, quartets and choruses.

1927: Majestic Theatre, Brisbane; 8-13 Aug.

- Dir. Peggy Hearle.

- Cast incl. Lorna Hoar (The Prince), Daphne Geary (The Princess), Del Fleming (The King), Flossie Bell (Jester),

Sylvia Coleman (Fairy Wattleblossom), Florence Athouse (Demon Bunyip), Lois Griffith (Fairy Rosepetal), Hazel

Hart (Ace of Hearts), Freda Rosalie (Ace of Spades), Doris May (Ace of Clubs), Vera Frost (Ace of Diamonds), Joan

Sandow, Eulalie Lasky (Queen of the Harem), George Rose and Mervyn Nuden (Mighty Man of Valour).

- Other characters incl. Hoboes, Booboos, Triantiwobligongs, Banshees, Demons, Wraiths, Hobgoblins, Fairies,

Soldiers and Robbers.

- The films exhibited during the season included: For the Term of His Natural Life, The Grand Stampede (starring Hoot

Gibson) and Charlie Chaplin's Work.

"Majestic Theatre." Brisbane Courier 8 Aug. (1927), 28. Prev.

HOTEL TOPSY TURVEY: [revusical] Txt. George H. Ward and Bert Le Blanc; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 13-19 Aug.





IN MEXICO: [revusical] Txt. George H. Ward and Bert Le Blanc; Mus. [n/e]

It is unclear if this revusical is related to any one of several similarly titled productions staged between 1916 and 1927. These

include productions staged by Les Bates (1916), and Billy Cass (1927). Stiffy and Mo also presented a revusical set in Mexico,

and which was sometimes billed as In Mexico (see Mexicans, 1918)

1927: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 20-26 Aug.





A TRIP TO MOROCCO: [revusical] Txt. George H. Ward and Bert Le Blanc; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 27 Aug. - 2 Sept.





A MOUNTAIN MAID: [revusical] Txt. Billy Cass; Mus. [n/e]

M. A. Keup, the Just It vaudeville critic, notes that this production "is no relation to the enchanting opera The Maid of the

Mountains, which has scored so many successful runs in Australia. There is, however, some question as to the relationship

between this work and another revusical, similarly titled The Mountain Maid, produced by Moon and Morris Revue Company in

1926. As there is no evidence found to date of the two being linked, either through the efforts of the same author(s) or through

similar cast/production members, they have been treated as separate works.

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Aug.



- Cast incl. Billy Cass, Ivy Cass, Violet Elliott (the Maid), Will Miller, Laurie Lorraine; and the Six Ramblers.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (13-19 Aug.) • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah.

Keup, M. A. "Clay's." Just It 18 Aug. (1927), 28.

JIM JAMS: [revusical] Txt Adapt. Charles Delavale; Mus. [n/e]

Although very likely adapted from the Paul Stanhope revusical of the same name (1919), with Charles Delavale having been

a member of Stanhope's company around 1920, it is also likely that Delavale updated and topicalised the production - introducing

new comic business and songs, as well as new characters.

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Aug/Sept.


- Troupe: "Ike" Delavale and Company.

- Cast incl. Charles Delavale, Elvie Stagpoole.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (20-26 Aug.) • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah (30 Aug.).


THE HEALTH RESORT: [revusical] Txt. Bert Desmond; Mus. [n/e]

A revue of the same name was presented on the Clay circuit in 1924 by Charles Delavale and Company. The relationship

between the two productions is unclear.

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Aug/Sept.



- Cast incl. Bert Desmond, Mattie Jansen, Harry Little, Hal Scott, Connie Graham, Clara Keating, Alf Driscoll.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (27 Aug. - 2 Sept.) • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah.

MY BOY JOHNNY: [revusical] Txt. George H. Ward and Bert Le Blanc; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Bijou Theatre, Melbourne; 3-9 September




Edgerton, Valerie Rougal, Grace Savieri. - NB 1: This was the second last revusical for the 1927 Bijou season. The troupe's final production, titled Cheerio Melbourne (10-16

Sept.) is believed to have comprised requests or popular material from earlier shows.

- NB 2: The season went from 7 May to 16 Sept.

THAT'S MY WIFE: [revusical] Txt. Billy Cass; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Sept.



- Cast incl. Billy Cass, Mark Erickson, Blanch Jones; Rose Brennan, Will Miller; and the Six Ramblers.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (3-9 Sept.) • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah.

PUZZLES: [revusical] Txt. Charles Delavale; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Sept.



- Cast incl. Ike Delavale, Elvie Stagpoole, Frank Moran, Bob Raymond, Check Hayes, the Gaiety Girls.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (10-16 Sept.) • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah (20 Sept.).

WICKY-WACKY ISLE: [revusical] Txt. Bert Desmond; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Sept/Oct.



- Cast incl. Bert Desmond, Mattie Jansen, Harry Little, Hal Scott, Connie Graham, Alf Driscoll, Clara Keating.


LIVE WIRES: [revusical] Txt/Mus. [n/e]

Possibly written by Bert Dudley.

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Sept/Oct.

- Prod. Maurice Chenoweth (Clay's Bridge Theatre Ltd).

- Cast incl. Bert Dudley, Dan Niblo, Millie Doris, Tom Preston, the McPhersons, Jim Caldwell, Tom Brown, Violet

Mae.


Argus 3 Sept. (1927), 40.

HOME FROM SEA: [revusical] Txt. Billy Cass; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Oct.

- Dir. Billy Cass; Prod. Maurice Chenoweth (Clay's Bridge Theatre Pty Ltd).


- Cast incl. Billy Cass, Violet Elliott, Mark Ericksen, Blanche Jones, Will Miller, Stan Iveson; and the Six Ramblers.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre (1-7 Oct.) • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah.

THE MYSTIC EGG: [revusical] Txt. Charles Delavale; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Oct/Nov.



- Cast incl. Ike Delavale, Elvie Stagpoole, Frank Moran, Bob Raymond, Phillips Sisters, Check Hayes, Aerial

Andersons; and the Gaiety Girls.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah (18 Oct).

WIGGY WIGGY: [revusical] Txt. Charles Delavale; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Oct/Nov.



- Cast incl. Ike Delavale, Elvie Stagpoole, Frank Moran, Bob Raymond, Phillips Sisters, Fred Hayes, the Tango Six.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah (8 Nov.).

ACE HIGH: [revusical] Txt. Charles Delavale; Mus. [n/e]

"Ike Delavale's new revue, Ace High, is an amusing farcical affair," with just sufficient plot in it to hold the interest and give the

comedians opportunities for fun making," writes one Brisbane theatre critic. The Telegraph review goes on to note:

Count La Shan... and his wife, the countess... have deceived each other into believing that they each have a wealthy father. To

support their deception they arrange for thieir fathers to meet at dinner. The parts of the parents are played by Ike Delavale and

Reg. Hawthorne [in 1928], as Ike Cohen and Pat Flannigan respectively. They are old enemies, and as the feud is revived at

their meeting, the occasion is interesting ("Empire Theatre," 20).

The Brisbane Courier theatre critic further noted that same year:

Ace High is the usual frothy affair, and tells of, a weird brand of cafe proprietor (Tom Dale) who runs his establishment on

anything but orthodox lines, A Scotchman, posing as a Frenchman, he is married to an English girl (Miss Mona Thomas), an

alleged heiress, who is also sailing under false colours as regards nationality. As is to be expected, this leads to complications,

and these are increased when they introduce a brace of hired fathers (Messrs. Delavale and Reg. Hawthorns) in an endeavour to

"clear" themselves. The climax is as amusing as it is unexpected, and the revue ends on the happiest of notes ("Empire," 10).

NB: There appears to be no relationship between this Charles Delavale work and a similarly-titled revue staged by Nat Phillips in 1931.

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Nov/Dec.



- Cast incl. Ike Delavale (Ike), Elvie Stagpoole, Peggy Kemble, Bob Raymond, Frank Moran, Check Hayes, the Fredo

Boys, the Tango Six.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah (29 Nov.).

1928: Empire Theatre, Brisbane; 30 June - 6 July


- Troupe: Ike Delavale's Laughing Comedy Revue Company.

- Cast incl. Charles Delavale (Ike), Reg Hawthorne (Pat Flanagan), Elvie Stagpoole, Tommy Dale (Count La Shan),

Mona Thomas (Countess Las Shan), Freda Spry, Bert Dudley, Evelyn Dudley, Neva Carr-Glynn, Charlie Megan

(Oscar, a waiter); and the Tango Six Ballet.

1929: Broadway Theatre, Parkes (NSW); 4 Jan.

- Dir. Charles Delavale; Prod. Reg Thornton/K-Nuts (in assoc. with Fullers' Theatres); Chor. Elvie Stagpoole.

- Troupe: Ike Delavale's Revue Co (aka Fullers' Big Revue Co).

- Cast incl. Charles Delavale (Ike),

NB: Reg Hawthorne, Tommy Dale and Mona Thomas (all members of Jim Gerald's Revue Company) were temporarily with Delavale

while Gerald was travelling overseas.

"Empire Theatre." Brisbane Courier (Brisbane) 2 July (1928), 10.

"Empire Theatre." Telegraph (Brisbane) 2 July (1928), 20.

"Empire Theatre." Daily Standard (Brisbane) 2 July (1928), 4.




RIN TIN: [revusical] Txt. Charles Delavale; Mus. [n/e]

1927: Clay's Theatres' Sydney city and suburban circuit; ca. Dec. 1927 - Jan. 1928



- Cast incl. Ike Delavale, Elvie Stagpoole, Peggy Kemble, Frank Moran, Bob Raymond, Check Hayes, the Fredo Boys,

the Tango Six.

- Circuit incl. Bridge Theatre, Newtown • Gaiety Theatre • Carlton Theatre, Kogarah (27 Dec.).

.

ALADDIN: [pantomime] Txt. Vic Roberts; Mus. [n/e]

Staged under the direction of Elton Black, this production of the popular

Aladdin pantomime comprised members of Black's Follies company (which had

been ensconsed at the Cremorne Theatre since early September). The musical

numbers included "My Idea of Heaven" and "Tell all the World" (Nell Fleming),

"Red Lantern" and "A Heart That's Free" (Nellie Lafferty) and "Positively

Absolutely" (Connie Harris).

1927: Cremorne Theatre, Brisbane; 19 Dec. 1927 - 20 Jan. 1928

- Dir. Elton Black; Prod. John N. McCallum; M Dir. William Butland;

S Art. Selwyn Armstrong; Cost. Mary Glyn; S Mngr. Reg Hewitt.

- Cast incl. Nell Fleming (Aladdin), Elton Black (Widow Twankey), Dan

Morris (Abanazer), George Moon (Grand Vizier), Alice Bennetto

(Princess Badroulbadour), George Moon Jnr, Nellie Lafferty (a fairy),

Emmie Epsor, Connie Harris, Mildred Harris, Exquisite Eight.

1928: Luxor Theatre, Perth; 17-31 Dec.

- Dir. Vic Roberts.

- Cast incl. Yvonne Banvard (Aladdin), Geogre Moon (Widow Twankey),

Nick Morton (Gran Vizier), Nell Fleming (Princess Badroulbadour),

George Moon Jnr (constable) Dan Morris (constable), Hal Cooper

(Emperor), Nellie Lafferty, Emmie Ensor, Dorothy Lyn.

"Aladdin." Brisbane Courier 19 Dec. (1927), 21.

"Aladdin at the Cremorne Theatre." Brisbane Courier 16 Jan. (1928), 21.

"Aladdin at the Luxor." Daily News (Perth) 18 Dec. (1928), 14.

PANTOMIME REVELS: [revue] Txt. Jim Gerald; Mus. [n/e]

It is still unclear what relationship this pantomime had with the typical pantomime production of the 1920s. The Sydney

Morning Herald records in 1927: "In the guise of Mrs Dolly Dimples, a virago whose redeeming characteristics were an unlimited

fund of repartee and a keen sense of humour, Mr Gerald provoked rounds of applause… Phyllis du Barry was warmly applauded

for her dancing and singing, and Betty Lambert, as Mrs Dimple's wayward daughter, Marjorie, was well received. Mickie the cat

whose antics were enhances by malevolently flashing eyes and a constantly moving under-lip was ably played by Ray McLean"

("Fullers' Theatre," 2). Other characters included: the Wicked Demon King, a bad boy and girl, the Fairy Queen, and beautiful

swans. "Pantomime novelties" were also advertised as being presented. Four years later Argus reports: "The pantomime

atmosphere is present, but Mr Gerald has done without a story. Mr Gerald is exceedingly funny a the dame, and he has excellent

support from Miss Heather Jones as principal girl, Miss Vilma Kay as principal boy, Mr Reg Hawthorne as the baron and Mr

Howard Hall as the demon. A feature of the performance, and one which delighted the large audience on Saturday night, is that

provided by the Chong Chan Fat troupe of eight Chinese conjurers, magicians and jugglers" ("Pantomime Revels," 11).

A 1932 Sydney Morning Herald review provides perhaps the best description, recording: "Many of the pleasant traditional

things of Christmas pantomime are included… The happiness of the principal boy and the principal girl, though menaced at the

beginning by a demon in green tights, is finally assured by 'the fairy queen who always spots, the wicked demon and his plots.'"

The review also indicates such features as "trap doors and windows for imps to leap through, a haunted castle with buried treasure,

a resplendent Palace of happiness, and a mysterious forest where the dancers may be white rabbits or nymphs, or even a strange-

looking but accomplished donkey." Gerald's costume comprised in part white stockings and elastic-sided boots ("Pantomime

Revels," 2).

The principal cast largely comprised members of Jim Gerald's revusical troupe, supplemented by specialty acts and other

artists contracted to the Fullers. For the 1931 Melbourne production the company comprised some 80 performers, while the 1932

revival involved more than 100 performers.

1927: Fullers' Theatre, Sydney; 24 Dec. 1927 - 27 Jan. 1928

- Dir. Jim Gerald; Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd; S Mngr. Lance Vane.

- Troupe: Jim Gerald's Revue Company.

- Cast incl. Jim Gerald (Dolly Dimples), Essie Jennings, Reg Hawthorne, Harry Burgess, Howard Hall, Lance Vane,

Phyllis du Barry, Ray McLean (Mickie), Mona Thomas, Cecil Scott, May Geary, Dot Creswell, Les Pearce, Neva

Glynn-Carr, Betty Lambert (Marjorie), the Eleven Wonders; and the Six Twinklers.

1931: Tivoli Theatre, Melbourne; 26 Dec. 1931 - 15 Jan. 1932

- Dir. Jim Gerald; Prod. Con-Paul Theatres (Mike Connors and Queenie Paul).

Brisbane Courier 19 Dec. (1927), 21.




- Cast incl. Jim Gerald, Reg Hawthorne, Heather Jones, Vilma Kay, Howard Hall, Chong Chan Fat Troupe, The

Diabolos.

1932: Tivoli Theatre, Sydney; 24 Dec. 1932 - 19 Jan. 1933

- Dir. Jim Gerald; Prod. Con-Paul Theatres (Mike Connors and Queenie Paul).

- Cast incl. Jim Gerald, Lily Coburn (Emma, Dame Dimples' daughter), Reg Hawthorne (Baron Flint), Frieda Bohning

(Fairy Queen), Thelma Duff (Spirit of the Dance), Will Perryman (Demon), Lou Cottam (Horace), Howard Hall, Tom

Dale, Heather Jones, Thelma Bryce, Jess Gillam, Vilma Kaye, The Cleveres, Beryl Martin and Allan Boyd (adagio

dancers), Sport (a performing dog); and the Twelve Twinklers.

"Fullers' Theatre." Sydney Morning Herald 27 Dec. (1927), 2.

"Pantomime Revels: Holiday Show at Tivoli." Argus 28 Dec. (1931), 11.

"Pantomime Revels." Sydney Morning Herald 26 Dec. (1932), 2.

"Tivoli - Pantomime Revels." Age 28 Dec. 1931, 9.

MOTHER GOOSE: [pantomime] Lib. Bert Ray; Mus. [n/e]

Produced over two acts and ten scenes, the Age records that this O'Donnell and

Ray production was a rather successful attempt at presenting pantomime for the two

fairly different audiences that attended the shows. In this respect, the matinees were

"produced with the avowed object of giving the children a real theatrical treat, [while]

the evening performances [were] slightly altered, so as to make the show more

interesting to the older folks" ("Mother Goose," 27 Dec. 1927, 10). The purpose of this

exercise see by the critic as having to a large degree solved one of the major problems

besetting the pantomime in recent years, whereby producers attempted to compromise

between the two audiences. In particular the sheer number of vaudeville-style acts

was seen to be disrupting the narrative flow for the more mature tastes.

Musical numbers known to have been incorporated into the narrative include:

"Shadow Land" (duet between Fairy Goldenlocks and the Demon), a "quaint" child

song and dance turn titled "Ginger Meggs" performed by Bonnie Little, and a

terpsichorean dance. Nellie Kolle sang "Hello Swanee," "Yesterday," "Me and My

Shadow," "Perfumes of the part," "It all Depends on You" and "This Time Next

Year." She also performed on piano "Cavallera Rustican," "A Birdseye View of My

Old Kentucky Home," and "Paddy Maloney." Bert Ray's only number as Mother

Goose was "If Your Face Wants to Laugh."

Although the 1929 Melbourne matinee production, which featured Roy Rene and Sadie Gale among others, was promoted as

a new version, Frank Neil and Bert Ray likely made only cosmetic changes to the libretto. Among the features of this production

were the Little Australia song and dance revue (arranged by Jennie Brennan), the Roseland tableau, The Eastern Fantasy, the

Cotton Filed on the Mississippi and the opening scene, Cloudland ("Mother Goose," Age 27 Dec. 1929, 8).

1927: Playhouse Theatre, Melbourne; 24 Dec. - ca. Jan. 1928

- Dir. Bert Ray; Prod. Jack O'Donnell; Chor. May Downs.

- Cast incl. Nellie Kolle (Colin), Hazel Nutt (Alice), Bert Ray (Mother Goose), Victor Elliot (Mother Goose), Jack

Kearns (Baron Fizzlewump), Florence Sutherland (Fairy Goldenlocks), Darval Thomas (Demon of Darkness),

Dorrie Thompson and Edna Riley (dancers), Miss Due Raynor, Master Jimmy Dunston, Miss Bonnie Little.

1928: Prince of Wales Theatre, Adelaide; 7-20 Apr.

- Dir. Bert Ray; Prod. Jack O'Donnell (in assoc. with William Anderson).

- Cast and production mostly as for previous Melbourne season.

- One performer identified for Adelaide season but not for Melbourne is Arthur

Farrell (Willie Doolittle).

1928: South Australian regional tour; 21-27 Apr.


- Itinerary incl. Port Pirie (Institute Hall; 21 Apr.) • Peterborough (Town Hall,

27 Apr.)

1928: Crystal Theatre, Broken Hill (N.S.W.); 28 Apr. - 2 May


1928: Town Hall, Kalgoorlie (W.A.); 14-16 May


1928: His Majesty's Theatre, Perth; 19 May - 1 June

- Cast and production mostly as for previous Melbourne season. - The first act of the pantomime was broadcast from His Majesty's Theatre, Perth, by 6WF

on 23 May, with the second act presented two nights later. The broadcasts were made

available throughout parts of Western Australia via relay. A number of the performers

were also heard on radio during the company's stay in Perth and Fremantle.

Register (Adelaide) 7 Apr. (1928), 2.

Sunday Times (Perth) 20 May (1928), 8.





1928: Town Hall, Fremantle; 2-6 June


- The season included a production of The Forty Thieves (7-9 June)

1928: Western Australian regional and Perth suburban tour; ca. June-July


- Itinerary incl. Moora (Town Hall; 18 June) • Geraldton (King's Theatre; 19 June) • Victoria Park, Perth (Broadway

Theatre; 26 June) • Katanning (Town Hall, 3 July) • Pingelly (Town Hall; 4 July) • Albany (Town Hall; 5 July)

1929: King's Theatre, Melbourne; 26 Dec. 1929 - 25 Jan. 1930

- Dir. Bert Ray; Prod. Frank Neil (Frank Neil Productions); Chor. Jennie Brennan.

- Cast incl. Bert Ray (Maggie Dooley, Mother Goose), Mary Gannon (Silverbell),

Sadie Gale (Idle Jack), Merna Stewart (Fairy Queen), Roy Rene, John V. Dobbie,

Hector St Clair, Eric Masters, Violet Elliott, Carr and Cotton, William Hassan (the Goose), Famous Littlejohns.

- The children engaged for the production included George Hardgrove, John Hardgrove, Lois Green, Ann Penn, Dossie

Darling

- Presented as a matinee production only. Clowns in Clover was produced in the evenings.

"Adrienne." "The Dressing." West Australian 21 May (1928), 10.

"Franziska." "Woman's World: At His Majesty's - Attractive Frocking." Daily News (Perth) 21 May

(1928), 7.

"Mother Goose: Children's Treat at the Playhouse." Age 27 Dec. (1927), 10.

"Mother Goose: Fun at Prince of Wales." Register (Adelaide) 9 Apr. (1928), 11.

"Mother Goose: Gorgeous Entertainment at the King's." Age 27 Dec. (1929), 8.

"Mother Goose: Humour and Colour at King's." Argus 27 Dec. (1929), 8.

"Mother Goose: Melody and Laughter - Pantomime for All." Daily News (Perth) 21 May 1928), 4.

"Mother Goose Pantomime." Great Southern Herald (Katanning, WA) 27 June (1928), 3.

"Mother Goose Pantomime: At the Town Hall." Great Southern Leader

(Pingelly, WA) 29 June (1928), 5.

"Mother Goose: Pantomime in Perth." West Australian 21 May (1928),

10.

"Panto. Dame and Aeronaut. Mother Goose at Easter - A Chat with

the Principals." Register (Adelaide) 6 Apr. (1928), 10.

"Renee." "Mother Goose: Attractively Frocked." Sunday Times (

Perth) 27 May (1928), 36.

ROBINSON CRUSOE AND HIS MAN FRIDAY: [pantomime]

Lib/Mus. [n/e]

Although the authors, both libretto and music, are yet to be established, the content of this Fullers' Christmas pantomime

(produced by arrangement with Richard White and Eric Edgley) indicates a largely Australian-focused narrative with Melbourne

topicalities. The Age review of the Melbourne premiere notes, for example: "Canberra, the depletion of the police force, tin hares

and electric trams provide scope for much witticism, and a topical song that aroused the mirth of the audience, depicted

Melbourne as seen by shipwrecked mariners not far from land. In

the course of this we are informed that Melbourne's chief imports

include tin hares, tin trams and tin totalisers, while among its

exports were civic pride and policemen" ("Bright Pantomime," 10).

The musical aspects, which utilised a number of favourite songs

tunes, were seen by the Age critic as bright, but not containing the

typically catchy and tuneful airs usually found in pantomimes. NB: It is not clear at this stage if there is any relationship between this

Robinson Crusoe pantomime and another presented by the Fullers the year

previous. The earlier production, produced under the direction of Nat

Phillips, is first known to have been staged in Brisbane over

Christmas/New year 1926/27.

1927: Princess Theatre, Melbourne; 24 Dec. - ca. Feb. 1928

- Dir. Eric Edgley; Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd; M Dir.

Roland Stafford; Chor. Gregory Ivanoff, Marjory

Bray.

- Cast incl. Mabs Howarth (Robinson Crusoe), Violet

Lester (Good Fairy), Lou Cottam (Friday), Clem

Dawe (Will Atkins), D. Hoffman (Davy Jones), Gertie

Cremer (Polly Perkins), Les White (dame), Dorothy

White (the dame's daughter), Alec Regan, Frank

Carno, John Robertson, Phyllis Amery (Spirit of the

Sea), Nancy Lee, Eric Edgley.

L-R: Mabs Howarth (Robinson Crusoe), Violet Lester

(Fairy Princess) and Gertie Cremer (Polly Perkins)

Table Talk 22 Dec. (1927), 3.

Hazel Nutt

Advertiser (Adelaide) 3 Apr.

(1928), 14.

Bert Ray

Register (Adelaide) 6 Apr. (1928), 10.

Bright Pantomime: Robinson Crusoe at Princess Theatre."

Age 27 Dec. (1927), 10.














http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/18863914

MOTHER GOOSE: [pantomime] Lib. Frank Neil; Mus. [n/e]

"The story of Mother Goose," writes the Sydney Morning Herald theatre critic, "with its conflict of virtue and wickedness

and the triumph of the former, is told connectedly and with enough emphasis to make it intelligible to the youngest child. No

children could restrain their delight at the tremendously large goose, Anastasia, who is big enough to lay golden houses… the

striking weakness of this version of Mother Goose [however] was the poverty and staleness of the humour. Comedians could

hardly be expected to display exceeding brilliance with parts made up almost wholly of chestnuts. The critic notes, on the other

hand, that a number of features, including several lavish scenes, helped make the production an attractive entertainment. These

included the acrobatic display by Storey and Brooks, in which the pair "threw themselves about the stage with a terrifying

disregard for their personal comfort;" and an underwater ballet in which performers dressed as coral danced amongst jellyfish

"through the murky depths in a gorgeous blaze of tinsel and light" ("Mother Goose," 2).

The Argus reports that the 1929 revival involved a succession of brilliant scenes. "A

complete world of colour and magic was created for the children," writes the paper's critic, "by a

clever use of lights and rapid changing of backcloths, each unfolding a part of the stage

elaborately decorated" ("Mother Goose," 8). At one stage the curtain was drawn out over the

audience with the reverse side disclosing a maze of artificial roses. Some of the settings included

an Eastern fantasy, Cotton fields on the Mississippi, and Cloudland. The Age also indicates some

of the effects from Frank Neil's previous production at the King's Theatre - Clown's in Clover

were adapted to the pantomime ("Mother Goose," 8).

One of the songs performed in the 1927 production was "Mother, Speak to Ethel," which

was sung by Toddles Johnson. NB: See also the 1934 Mother Goose pantomime, which is believed to have been adapted from this

version by its author, with new material by Jim Gerald.

1927: Grand Opera House (Syd); 24 Dec. 1927 - 3 Feb. 1928

- Dir. Frank Neil; Prod. Fullers' Theatres Ltd; Chor. Chrissie Royal.

- Cast incl. Dorothy Dewar (principal boy), Mary Gannon (Silverbell, principal girl),

Phil Smith (Mother Goose), Bert Le Blanc (Fitz), Ted Stanley (Starts), Frank Neil

(Rastus, a negro servant), Jefferson Taite (Demon Vulture), Joe Morris (Anastasia),

Linda Joy (Fairy Paradise), Field Fisher (Squire Hardflint), Viola Rene, Lily Coburn,

Lydia Carne (dancer), Toddles Johnson, Zenda Banks and Pal Sherry (specialty

dancers), Storey and Brooks (acrobats), Clivalli's Miniature Circus.

1929: King's Theatre (Melb); 26 Dec. 1929 - 25 Jan. 1930

- Dir. Frank Neil; Chor. Jennie Brennan.

- Cast incl. Bert Ray (Maggie Dooley), Sadie Gale (Idle Jack), Roy Rene, Mary Gannon (Silverbell), John V.

Dobbie, Hector St Clair, Eric Masters, Violet Elliott, Carr and Carlotta, George Hargrove, John Hardgrove, Anne

Penn, The Famous Littlejohns, Lois Green, Dossie Darling, William Hassan (Anastasia, the Goose).

"Mother Goose: Gorgeous Entertainment at the King's." Age 27 Dec. (1929), 8.

"Mother Goose: Humour and Colour at King's." Argus 27 Dec. (1929), 10.

"Mother Goose: Opera House Pantomime." Sydney Morning Herald 27 Dec. (1927), 2.

Last updated: 8/07/2017

Expanded and updated from Clay Djubal, "What Oh Tonight." Ph D Diss. U of Qld (2005), Appendix C.

NB: The URL for this PDF will change each time it is updated. If you wish to cite or link to this record please use the following:

Australian Variety Theatre Archive • http://ozvta.com/1920s/

Phil Smith

Sunday Times (Sydney) 8 Jan.

(1928), 16.

Marie Gannon

World's News (Sydney) 24

Dec. (1927), 6.

Frank Neil

Source: Viola Tait. Dames, Principal

Boys... And All That (2001), 226

Ted Stanley

Sunday Times (Sydney) 8 Jan.

(1928), 16.




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