AustLit

'The exigencies of modern revue have so transformed the immortal characters of the nursery that they are almost unrecognisable. The story of Little Red Riding Hood has undergone this treatment. Therefore, at the Empire Theatre it is produced not so much in the spirit of pantomime as in that of revue. Red Riding Hood, witnessing this version of her adventures would have been bewildered. The little girl with the scarlet cloak and hood would never have recognised herself. After leaving the enchanted wood, according to Mr Frank Neil's players, Red Riding Hood, for no ostensible reason, was wisked off to sea. After being shipwrecked, an experience which gave the dame still another opportunity to change her gown, the dainty little heroine next appeared on a treasure island, where Hawaiian maids and ukuleles abounded, in search of a golden key. And then strangest of all, Mr Neil married her to Boy Blue' (Sydney Morning Herald 27 December 1928, p.3).