AustLit

Produced for the first time only two weeks before the death of its composer, H. T. Harrision, Saucy Suzie was described in advertising as a 'nautical burlesque,' comprising over forty songs composed, arranged and selected by H. T. Harrison. Divided into 3 acts and five scenes, Peter Downes records in The Pollards that the work stuggled for acceptance due to its excessive length (p. 137).

Written, adapted and arranged by Bert Royle with 'music largely derived from Ancient Oriental Sources, and with Modern Music Hall Melodies' composed and arranged by H. T. Harrison, this version of the popular Forty Thieves story begins in Toadstool Swamp where a conclave of Mephistos plan the overthrow of the thieves. The narrative's humorous intent is demonstrated in the scene that follows the grand ballet (set in the Temple of Terpsichore). Ali Baba and his wife arrive on the scene in a tandem dog cart drawn by two eccentric and humorous donkeys. The cart falls to pieces and the occupants are thrown out just as Ali's son turns up in the company of a policeman, Cerulo. This leads to 'all sorts of amusing repartee and funny antics [which keeps] the action briskly moving until the arrival of Hassarac and his band of desperados' (Age 27 December 1892, p.6).

[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]

Set in the mythical country of Paflagonia, a hundred years in the future (1992), the story revolves around Prince Bulbo, 'the perfect prince,' who visits the court of King Valoroso for the purpose of marrying the latter's daughter Angelica. Valoroso is described as a monarch with a temper of his own. During the festivity's of a state banquet the King becomes intoxicated and makes improper passes at a charming waiting maid, Rosabela. Unfortunately she has previously won the affection of the king's nephew, Prince Giglio. Impetuously he flaws the king with a blow from a warming pan and flees. When the King recovers consciousness he orders the arrest and execution of the prince. Unable to find Giglio the court decides to arrest and execute Prince Bulbo in default. Meanwhile Rosabela is arrested and threatened with torture unless she divulges the whereabouts of her lover. Giglio returns to save Rosabela, at which time thy sing the duet 'By Thy Side, Dearest One.' Upon hearing of Giglio's return King Valoroso falls into a revengeful rage, demanding his guards seize the prince immediately and kill him. In desperation Rosabela summons to her aid her fairy grandmamma, Blackstick, who helps Giglio first escape, and then worst the king in a fight. All ends happily ever after with Valoroso taken prisoner, Giglio then ascends the throne with Rosabela as his queen, and Bulbo marries Angelica.

[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]

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).