AustLit

Based largely on E. L. Blanchard's original 'grotesque burlesque', Harlequin and the House that Jack Built (1861) contained local references and topical allusions from an unknown local author (possibly the director, C. W. Barry). The comic scenes and harlequinade were written and produced by the Leopold Family.

The story begins in Old Mother Hubbard's cottage, where a party is held and many remarkable pranks are played out by the dame's comical dog. Things turn dark, however, when the villainous Squire arrives with a proclamation concerning witch burning. When he threatens Old Mother Hubbard with cremation, she takes flight on her magic broomstick to the Witches Glen and Waterfall (scene 2), where the audience is introduced to Will O' the Wisp. Meanwhile, back at the Village Green and Roadside Alehouse (scene 3), the Squire celebrates his birthday amidst Morris dancing and village revels. When Jack, all tattered and torn, arrives, it becomes clear that he is treated quite differently by the squire in relation to his other tenants. Old Mother Hubbard's dog notices this and lets his mistress know when she returns. In the following scene (The Cage on the Common at Sunset), a dreamer and walker appear in a vision. Pleasure and the division of labour are played out, leading to a scene in which 100 Lilliputian labourers help Jack build his house. When the Squire goes hunting at twilight near a Frog Pool in the Marshes (scene 5,) he is observed and tested by Will O' the Wisp. He subsequently loses both his way and temper, and is tricked by Old Mother Hubbard's dog into making his way into Squash Hollow Swamp (scene 6), where he comes to grief. The arrival of Will O' the Wisp and her fairies sees Jack recognised as the rightful heir. They all celebrate as they make their way to Will O' the Wisp's home beneath the waterfall (scene 7.). This leads to the Grand Transformation Scene (The Glittering Glade of Ferns dissolving into the Silvery Alcoves and Dazzling Temple of Delight).

The harlequinade was played out in several locations: A Railway Lodging House (which included the arrival of 'Australian toys'), Jack-in-the-Green (set in London), a Model Farm Yard (which included a rifle shooting competition staged between Victoria and New South Wales), Sydney Heads (which sees Clown and Pantaloon become yachting men, while Harlequin and Columbine fall into the jaws of lawyers, 'i.e. sharks'), and Doctor's Shop and Florists.

Of the numerous songs and dances incorporated into the production by J. H. Tully (late of the Drury Lane Theatre, London), the two featured highlights were 'Through the Wood', composed by C. E. Horne, and 'Will O' the Wisp', composed by J. H. Tully (both sung by Lady Don).