AustLit

Anonymously adapted from John Strachan's Humpty Dumpty pantomime (1873, Prince of Wales Theatre, Birmingham, England), the version published by Henry Solomon and staged by Samuel Lazar in Sydney in 1877 contains numerous references to local issues, personalities, events, and places. The opening scene, for example, indicates that the story is set in Australia, when Flambeau the Fire King says, 'He's not yet ready for cremation urns / This is Australia, not the land of Burns'. Flambeau shortly afterwards narrows the setting to the New South Wales capital when he responds to Humpty Dumpty thus: 'Aha! I'm always down upon each mortal muff; At muss and mischief, I'm quite up to snuff. In Sydney, East and West, at last Election, I put out Parkes, and beat "Jack Free-Selection"' (p.9). Other references included the Sydney scene, politics, theatre, and J. C. Williamson's production of Struck Oil.

The story concerns Flambeau, who, with his ally Humpty Dumpty, attempts to coerce Princess Roseleaf into marriage. His plans are foiled, however, by Prince Prettyboy, with the help of the Fern Fairy (who hails from Willoughby). Together, they overcome all obstacles put in his way, and he eventually defeats Flambeau and wins the love of Roseleaf.

The Sydney Morning Herald critic, although suggesting that the production was too long, nevertheless wrote:

'No one can complain of the want of fun and amusement in it ... Of course there is a mere thread of a story to hold the introductory part together, but there is an abundance of local allusions and the usual supply of excruciating puns to keep the amusement alive' (27 Dec. 1877, p.5).

The production contained songs adapted from operatic and other music, which were arranged by W. J. Rice. The songs introduced in the program libretto include 'Have You Seen the Shah?' (opening chorus); 'Where the Native Roses Blow', 'Tournez, Tournez', 'Sing Gentle Bird', and 'Pull Yourselves Together' (Fern Fairy); 'When the Stars Begin to Peep' (Queen); 'Betray Me Not' and 'Still I Love Thee' (Minister of Mines); 'Silver Threads Among the Gold' (Prince Boubee); 'Violets Dipped in Dew' (Prince Tol De Rol); 'Ridin' in a Railroad Keer' and 'What Do You Take Me For?' (Prince Prettyboy); 'Chanson Politique' (Madame Angot); 'Effie Twilight' (Will O' the Wisp); the 'Conspirator's Chorus'; and 'Legende de Mere Angot' (grand finale).