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AbstractHistoryArchive Description
'The only weekly paper dealing exclusively with Vaudeville, Drama, Pictures, Circus, Parks, Fairs and kindred amusements of the Antipodean Show World.' Although the price increased, the size remained the same and there was no break in style or content between Australian Variety and Australian Variety and Show World. It continued with 'newsy notes', regular reviews of shows at specific theatres, critiques of current film releases, interstate and international notes, club and association reports (Musicians, Magicians, Vaudeville Artists, Tattersall's), and boxing and racing columns. It also continued the tradition of large Christmas editions, carrying seasons greetings – often in display form – from individual performers and companies. Joint publisher from August 1917 was Andy Kerr (the Coogee Bunyip), a leading bookmaker. The effects of war, paper shortages, and the influenza epidemic on business were noted. The magazine was still partially addressed to those in the know, including the racing 'Heads', the theatrical 'Chasers', 'Bondi Beach combers', and the residents of the theatrical boarding house 'Pacific Mansions', whose doings were recorded in cryptic references, nicknames, and innuendoes. This element declined as moving pictures became increasingly important, not least through their extensive advertising, and from early 1918, film censorship was a significant topic. In May 1920 (No.1043), the editor published an Open Letter to the Film Exchanges, declaring, 'We have looked the matter over from all angles, and we have decided to cast our lot with the buyers and sellers of the shadowy screen, and, from now on, we are with you heart and soul'.
Notes
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Research into the history of this periodical was supported through the Nancy Keesing Fellowship at the State Library of New South Wales and undertaken by Dr Jill Julius Matthews during 2005-06.
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Works about this Work
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Australian Variety/Australian Variety and Show World
2005
single work
biography
— Appears in: Australian Variety Theatre Archive : Popular Culture Entertainment: 1850-1930
— Appears in: 'What Oh Tonight' : The Methodology Factor and Pre-1930s Australian Variety Theatre - Appendices (Volumes 1 and 2) 2005; -
'Variety's' Annual
1916
single work
column
— Appears in: The Theatre Magazine , February 1916; (p. 44) A positive review by the Theatre Magazine of the Australian Variety Annual (29 December 1915). The critic writes, for example : 'A bigger theatrical production for the money has never been brought out in Australia' (p44). -
Untitled
1914
single work
column
— Appears in: The Theatre Magazine , February 1914; (p. 37) Brief item congratulating Martin C. Brennan and the 'excellent headway' he had made with Australian Variety since starting publication a few months previous. -
Review : Australian Variety and Show World
1914
single work
column
— Appears in: The Theatre Magazine , November 1914; (p. 17) Brief item offering best wishes to Martin C. Brennan following his recent operation for appendicitis and acknowledgment of the success Australian Variety had established after one year of publication.
-
'Variety's' Annual
1916
single work
column
— Appears in: The Theatre Magazine , February 1916; (p. 44) A positive review by the Theatre Magazine of the Australian Variety Annual (29 December 1915). The critic writes, for example : 'A bigger theatrical production for the money has never been brought out in Australia' (p44). -
Review : Australian Variety and Show World
1914
single work
column
— Appears in: The Theatre Magazine , November 1914; (p. 17) Brief item offering best wishes to Martin C. Brennan following his recent operation for appendicitis and acknowledgment of the success Australian Variety had established after one year of publication. -
Untitled
1914
single work
column
— Appears in: The Theatre Magazine , February 1914; (p. 37) Brief item congratulating Martin C. Brennan and the 'excellent headway' he had made with Australian Variety since starting publication a few months previous. -
Australian Variety/Australian Variety and Show World
2005
single work
biography
— Appears in: Australian Variety Theatre Archive : Popular Culture Entertainment: 1850-1930
— Appears in: 'What Oh Tonight' : The Methodology Factor and Pre-1930s Australian Variety Theatre - Appendices (Volumes 1 and 2) 2005;