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Musical farce.
Little is yet known about the sketches Kohlman and Gardner provided for the People's Concerts. The works are invariably described as 'screaming' or 'mirth provoking' absurdities, and hence were likely simple farces. As Kohlman and Gardner were well known for their instrumental abilities (in similar vein to the Leslie Brothers) it is feasible that musical performances (both vocal and/or instrumental) would have been incorporated into some scenes. Whether other actors were involved in the performance of these works is yet to be established.
[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]
Notes
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It is not clear at this stage what relationship Kohlman and Gardner's sketch has with a similarly titled farce, 'The Baby Elephant' presented by W. H. Speed as part of Delohery, Bovis and Deane's Elite Burlesque Company program at Brisbane's Gaiety Theatre (15 May 1897).
Production Details
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1897: Temperance Hall, Melbourne; 13 February, 5 June, 4 September.
- Producer People's Concerts; Music Director 'Prof.' Frederick Ireland.
- Cast incl. Kohlman and Gardner.
- Musicians incl. Nicholas La Feuillade (violin).
1898: Temperance Hall, Melbourne; 12 and 19 November
- Producer People's Concerts; Music Director 'Prof.' Frederick Ireland.
- Cast incl. Kohlman and Gardner.
- The 19 November production was advertised as 'Barnum's Circus.'
1899: Temperance Hall, Melbourne; 8 April.
- Producer People's Concerts; Music Director 'Prof.' Frederick Ireland.
- Cast incl. Kohlman and Gardner.
