AustLit

Described in advertising in 1873 as an 'Original Extravaganza' with ballet, spectacle, and songs to operatic and other music, the story opens with the Centre of Gravity and Salamanders' Retreat where Kantankeros, the Demon of Dullness, holds court amid rocks, in a general state of confusion. He and his ally Boblo (a determined minister of the state) plot to render Australians as dull and dispirited as their English brethren have become under the censorship of the Lord Chamberlain. In the second scene, set in 'the Willow Glen by Moonlight' amid invisible fairies, elves, and the Queen of Night, Mirth announces that he will sever his partnership with King Mischief. When the king arrives with his warriors, he is unphased by the news, causing Mirth to vent his rage upon the midnight air. A telegram then arrives from Kantankeros and Boblo, and Mischief decides to emigrate to Australia so as to join his confederates in Melbourne. Mirth overhears his plans, however, and puts into action a plan that he hopes will 'rescue that fair land from the clutches of three such arrant knaves'.

The story then moves to Bungaree Forest where Felix (Young Australia) lives with his parents, Old Australia and the Missus, and his sister Victoria (with whom he is very close) in a settler's hut. When his parents reveal that Victoria was found under a gum tree and is not their child, Young Australia and Victoria realise that they can unite their love through marriage. Just as they begin to celebrate, Kantankeros, Boblo, and Mischief arrive and weave a spell around him. Mirth, however, has conjured up a magic cricket bat to foil their schemes. He presents it to Felix and all adjoin to the MCC, where he is to take part in the match between England and Australia. When King Mischief learns of Mirth's plan, he responds by calling on Mosquito to plague and irritate his enemies. Felix also forgets Mirth's warning and allows the demon trio to trick the bat from him (along with all his money) in an under-and-over game. Kantankeros tells Mosquito to fly off to the Isle of Monkeys with the bat and then taunts Mirth over Felix's failure. He then dictates a challenge. If the bat is not returned within thirty-six hours, Mirth must agree to abandon Australia to its fate. However, Mirth has a staunch ally in Laughing Jackass, Felix's pet (and 'a very useful bird'), who overhears where Mosquito has gone. Mirth gives Felix's parents seven-league boots and, together with Laughing Jackass, they pursue Mosquito. Arriving on the island, the trio are captured by Simius, the King of the Apes, but Mirth sends his own warriors after them, and using a magic mirror they manage subdue the monkeys, release the captives, and regain the magic bat.

The next day finds Kantankeros, Boblo, and Mischief at Breakneck Gully, on the road to Hangman's Flat. With no news, the demonic allies begin gloating over what they believe is their triumph. The following scene, set at the Post Office Tower, sees Felix's parents rush in with the bat with seconds to spare, however. Kantankeros, in a desperate bid to escape, turns himself into a snake, thinking no one will notice if he slides away. He has forgotten one thing, though: Laughing Jackass is partial to reptiles, and dispatches his foe in double-quick time.

(Plot synopsis cited in Age 25 December 1873, p.3; Age 27 December 1873, p.6; and Argus 27 December 1873, p.6).

A good deal of local colour and topicalities were included in the pantomime (including references to Victorian politics, events, and personalities, such as anti-Chinese riots, the Tichbourne case, and W.G. Grace).

The musical element included a song written to the tune of the 'Gendarmes' duet from Genevieve, which was introduced during the cricket-match scene.