AustLit

A screen adaptation of a long-running and popular play, frequently performed on the Australian stage.

Advertised as a 'New, Grand, Great, Gorgeous, Glittering, Glorious Xmas Annual, illustrating ... the most popular of Eastern Legends, with unprecedented regard for strict accuracy of Oriental manners and customs' (Sydney Morning Herald 26 December 1891, p.2), the exact authorship of the pantomime remains somewhat unclear, although director Frank Emery no doubt had a hand in the final version. The production, which also introduced Fred Mason and Rose Dearing to Australian audiences, contained a cast of special overseas artists, including the Wonderful Craggs (acrobats), the Almonte Troupe (who performed the Harlequinade), The Fairy Four, and Amanda Noel.

The story is told in three acts and proceeds through the following scenes:

Act 1: Scene 1 The Mushroom Glade;

Scene 2 Mount Olympus;

Scene 3 Ali Baba's 'Umble 'Ome;

Scene 4 The Grand Bazaar of Bagdad.

Act 2: Scene 1 Through the Wood, Across the Lake, Up the Hill;

Scene 2 Secret Entrance to the Banyon Forest;

Scene 3 The Robber's Cave.

Act 3: Scene 1 Cassim Baba's House;

Scene 2 Grand Terrace and Entrance to Palace, Bridal Procession, and Joyous Revels;

Scene 3 A Corridor in the Palace; Grand Finale

(Transformation Scene; The Elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water; Triumph of Spring; and Harlequinade).

The score is described in advertising as having been 'largely derived from ancient oriental sources, with modern music hall melodies... [with original music] composed and arranged by Messrs. Alfred Plumpton and H. T. Harrison' (Sydney Morning Herald 26 December 1891, p.2).

Songs incorporated into the narrative include 'A Hard Day's Work' (sung by Harry Shine), 'He was Whistling this Tune all Day and all Night' (sung by Rose Dearing), 'Knocked 'Em in the Old Kent Road' (a coster song sung by Fred Mason), 'The Fat Boy's Song' (sung by chorus), 'The Rather Girl' (Pattie Browne), 'A Villain I Live and Die' (John Gourlay), 'I Don't Think it's Ever Been Done' (a topical duet sung by Fred Mason and Harry Shine), and the vivacious finale 'Stand by your Guns' (company).

One of the highlights of the production was reportedly the Grand Transformation Scene. Titled 'Cupid and Psyche' it was played out as 1. The Birth of Cupid; 2. Psyche Carried Away by Zephyrna; 3. and Wedded to Cupid; 4. Her Journey through Hades; and 4. The Reunion of the Lovers Cupid and Psyche. The final scene was played out against a grand view of Sydney Harbour painted by George Gordon. The Grand Processional Ballet also drew praise from the critics. Entitled 'Ye Spirits of Ancient Pantomime,' the ballet had been imported in its entirety from London, where it had apparently been 'the sensation of last year' (Sydney Morning Herald 24 December 1890, p.2).