AustLit

Initially described in as an 'operatic fantasy' (Sydney Mail 2 Dec. 1931, 35), radio listings published in the lead-up to the 17 December 1931 broadcast describe Motley as a 'pierrotic phantasy' (National Advocate 17 December 1931, p.6).

Set in Pirreot's home outside the World, the characters are Pierrot, Pierrette, Harlequin, Columbine, Old Clown, his son, Punch, Judy and 'Public Opinion.'

The second Australian musical comedy to be written especially for radio, The Tin Soldier was also the second-ever locally-written drama to be broadcast by the ABC.

The cast of characters includes: Jurado (a general in the rebel army), Capt. Pedro de Alvira (in commamd of the Federal Army garrison at San Bernardo), Lieut. Francisco Estrada (Federal Army), General Mendoza (Commander in Chief of the Federal Army), Enrique (orderly to General Mendoza), Vasco (innkeeper at Cordoba), Casper (innkeeper at San Bernardo), Benito (a half-caste), Dolores ('La Belle Espagnol') and Julie. The Sunday Times (Perth) records, too, that the 'venture calls for the introduction of a large cast of principals, and a substantial chorus and orchestra' (10 January 1932, p.19).

Among the songs written for the play were 'Tin Soldier' and 'The Rag Doll.'

A two-act 'burlesque pantomime,' played out over six scenes, Little Bo-Peep comprised a 'merry mixture of jokes, songs [and] topicalities.' It was especially written for radio.

The first broadcast was interspersed with selections from the National Broadcasting Orchestra, and descriptions of the racing at Motordrome and the events being presented on the Exhibition Oval. Both descriptions were broadcast live from their respective locations. The 1930 re-broadcast of the pantomime omitted the interruptions.

The scenes recorded in programme listings were: Act 1. Scene 1. The Demon King's Lair; Scene 2. The Market Place; Scene 3. In Toyland; Act 2, Scene 4. The Village Inn; Scene 5. The Dame's Cottage; Scene 6. At the Fancy Dress Ball.