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Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive
Mother Goose single work   musical theatre   pantomime   fantasy  
Issue Details: First known date: 1934... 1934 Mother Goose
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

Presenting an array of characters including Demon Ill-Will, Fairy Heartease, a miraculous goose, a comical horse, and various representatives of the human race, this pantomime was described in the Age as containing not much that was new, but nevertheless had a 'great deal which has proved successful in the past' (27 December 1934, p.8).

The story sees Demon Ill-Will vow to make Mother Goose (a perfect example of a contented human being) discontented and unhappy. When he causes an overgrown goose with the capacity to lay ponderous golden eggs to stray into the widow's back yard, all sorts of humorous situations arise, including a hilarious trial of strength between the Demon and Fairy Heartease. This scene was also responsible for periodic outbreaks of dance and several comic songs. Another highlight was the juvenile ballet, which consisted of children impersonating such characters as Mickey Mouse, the Three Little Pigs, the Big Bad Wolf, golliwogs, and wooden soldiers.

Production Details

  • 1934: Kings Theatre, Melbourne, 26 December 1934 - 2 February 1935.

    • Director Jim Gerald; Producer Frank Neil; Chorus Jennie Brennan.
    • Cast incl. Jim Gerald (Mother Goose), Hetty King (principal boy), Harry Ratcliffe (Demon Ill-Will), Pat Wenman (Jack), Isabel Mahon (Jill), Stan Foley, Nick Morton.

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Works about this Work

'Mother Goose' at Kings 1934 single work review
— Appears in: The Argus , 27 December 1934; (p. 4)

— Review of Mother Goose Jim Gerald , Frank Neil , 1934 single work musical theatre
'Mother Goose' : Pantomime at the King's 1934 single work review
— Appears in: The Age , 27 December 1934; (p. 8)

— Review of Mother Goose Jim Gerald , Frank Neil , 1934 single work musical theatre
'Mother Goose' : Pantomime at the King's 1934 single work review
— Appears in: The Age , 27 December 1934; (p. 8)

— Review of Mother Goose Jim Gerald , Frank Neil , 1934 single work musical theatre
'Mother Goose' at Kings 1934 single work review
— Appears in: The Argus , 27 December 1934; (p. 4)

— Review of Mother Goose Jim Gerald , Frank Neil , 1934 single work musical theatre

PeriodicalNewspaper Details

Note:
This entry has been sourced from research undertaken by Dr Clay Djubal into Australian-written popular music theatre (ca. 1850-1930). See also the Australian Variety Theatre Archive
Last amended 8 May 2014 07:34:47
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