AustLit
Latest Issues
AbstractHistoryArchive Description
A music theatre burlesque based on the real life King O'Malley, a Texan born banker, real estate salesman, insurance agent, and founder of a religious movement, who came to Australia in 1893 under the belief that he was dying of consumption. After arriving at Emu Bay, Queensland, O'Malley spent some two years living in a cave before eventually walking from Rockhampton, seemingly cured of the disease, all the way to Adelaide. He became the MHA of Encounter Bay (South Australia) up until 1899, then a member of the House of Representatives (1901-17), in addition to undertaking the position of Minister for Home Affairs (1910-13, 1915-16). He retired from politics in 1917. O'Malley is also recognised for his role in opening the trans-continental railway and for his significant input into Labour reform and social legislation during the early decades of the twentieth century.
Ellis and Boddy portray O'Malley as a doubtful, though likeable/heroic, character whose early schemes are seen to mock several social institutions. In the first part of the play we encounter the loud-mouthed O'Malley leaving for Australia (accompanied by Mr Angel, a devil who acts as his spirit of conscience). In line with the real historical account O'Malley is also seen befriending the aborigines and standing for parliament. In the second part a debate begins between O'Malley and Billy Hughes, with the visionary O'Malley battling for several future initiatives, while Hughes argues for conscription. At this point the ensemble of actors take on a variety of roles, notably embers of parliament, as they satirise the image of these 'honourable representatives of government'.
The Legend Of King O'Malley has been described by Leonard Radic as : 'a rumbustious piece of musical theatre... [drawing] consciously on the traditions of panto, music hall, revue and vaudeville. The script [includes] hymns, songs, a revivalist meeting and a pageant or two... the result was a piece of pastiche theatre which explored its subject with larrikin abandon, and without concessions to good taste or manners' (State of Play 1991, p70). The musical element of the play, according to its authors, is 'a bit of a grab-bag. This is not a musical,' they write in the 1974 Angus and Robertson edition, ' it is a play with music.... use as few or as many of the [songs] as you like; and put in your own favourites if you wish. "Happy Land," "In the Service of the King," and "Hold the Fort," should be used where marked" (xxii). Other songs suggested, and which were used in the original Jane Street production include: 'I Surrender All', 'Go Little Pennies', 'Wonderful Words of Life', 'Lead on King Eternal', 'I've Found a Friend', 'Go Tell it to Jesus', 'What a Friend', 'Hey There! You're an Australian', and 'Onward Christian Soldiers'.
Production Details
-
First produced by the National Institute of Dramatic Arts students in association with the Jane Street Theatre, Sydney, June 1970. The play has since been staged many times around the country. Some notable productions include : The Old Tote Theatre Company (1970, cast and production mostly as for the Jane Street production) ; the 1970 Australian tour by NIDA ; and the Royal Queensland Theatre Company (Brisbane, 1971).
Performed at La Mama Theatre from 9-20 April 2014
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Other Formats
- Also sound recording.
Works about this Work
-
The 15 Greatest Australian Musicals, on Stage and Screen – Sorted
2022
single work
review
— Appears in: The Guardian Australia , 7 August 2022;
— Review of Fangirls 2019 single work musical theatre ; The Legend of King O'Malley 1970 single work musical theatre ; Lola Montez 1958 single work musical theatre ; Bran Nue Dae : A Musical Journey 1990 single work musical theatre ; Only Heaven Knows 1988 single work musical theatre ; Moulin Rouge! The Musical 2016 single work musical theatre ; The Boy from Oz 1998 single work musical theatre ; Keating! A Country Soul Opera 2005 single work musical theatre ; Summer Rain 1983 single work musical theatre ; Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, The Musical 2006 single work musical theatre ; Barbara and the Camp Dogs 2017 single work musical theatre ; Muriel's Wedding : The Musical 2017 single work musical theatre ; Miracle City 1996 single work musical theatre -
Dusting off a Theatrical Legend
2014
single work
review
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 26 November 2014; (p. 20)
— Review of The Legend of King O'Malley 1970 single work musical theatre -
Rousing Return for King O'Malley
2014
single work
review
— Appears in: The Australian , 11 April 2014; (p. 14)
— Review of The Legend of King O'Malley 1970 single work musical theatre -
All Hail Brazen King of a Stage Revolution
2014
single work
review
— Appears in: The Age , 8 April 2014; (p. 18)
— Review of The Legend of King O'Malley 1970 single work musical theatre -
The Legend Continues
2011
single work
column
— Appears in: The Canberra Times , 31 December 2011; (p. 14)
-
Fine Fare, Fun Fare
1970
single work
review
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 13 June 1970; (p. 17) A Leader of His Craft : Theatre Reviews by H. G. Kippax 2004; (p. 168-169)
— Review of The Legend of King O'Malley 1970 single work musical theatre -
Spirit of the Halls
1970
single work
review
— Appears in: The Bulletin , 20 June vol. 92 no. 4709 1970; (p. 42-43)
— Review of The Legend of King O'Malley 1970 single work musical theatre -
Untitled
1970
single work
review
— Appears in: The Australian , 15 August 1970;
— Review of The Legend of King O'Malley 1970 single work musical theatre -
Royal Performance
1989
single work
review
— Appears in: The Herald , 21 April 1989; (p. 17)
— Review of The Legend of King O'Malley 1970 single work musical theatre -
All Hail Brazen King of a Stage Revolution
2014
single work
review
— Appears in: The Age , 8 April 2014; (p. 18)
— Review of The Legend of King O'Malley 1970 single work musical theatre -
City and Bush in the Australian Theatre 1922-1988
1992
single work
criticism
— Appears in: Populous Places : Australian Cities and Towns 1992; (p. 31-47) -
The Legend Continues
2011
single work
column
— Appears in: The Canberra Times , 31 December 2011; (p. 14) -
Drama
1981
single work
criticism
— Appears in: The Oxford History of Australian Literature 1981; (p. 175-267) -
How to Have Fun On a Traumatic First Night
1970
single work
column
— Appears in: The Bulletin , 20 June vol. 92 no. 4709 1970; (p. 10,13,15) -
If Only "O'Malley" Had Been a Good Honest Failure
1970
single work
column
— Appears in: The Bulletin , 3 October vol. 92 no. 4724 1970; (p. 44)
Awards
- 1971 winner AWGIE Awards — Major Award
- 1970 joint winner Captain Cook Bicentenary Awards — Drama Section
- Melbourne, Victoria,
- Queensland,
- 1893-1917