Sydney 1796

[manfredvijars]

This snippet is from ...
The History of New South Wales (1798 and 1802)
George BARRINGTON (1755-1804)
http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks12/1203391h.html



On the 16th 1796, a play-house was opened at Sydney, permission for which had been some time granted to a number of the well-behaved convicts. Their first performance was, "The Revenge, and the Hotel". The principal performers were Sparrow, the manager, H. Green, W. Fowkes, G. H. Hughes, W. Chapman, and Mrs. Davis. The pieces were decently played, and the house, dresses &c. had far from a contemptable appearance. When leave was given for opening the theatre, they were told, that the first impropriety would not pass unnoticed; and on the second being committed, the whole of them would be sent to another settlement. The price of admission to the gallery was 1s. paid either in money, flour, meat, or spirits, according to the market price. That opening the door of a theatre should hold out a powerful temptation to many, who had by their means, found the ready road to New South Wales, is not a wonderful thing; but contrary to the practice in England, of robbing at the theatre, they visited it only to see whose house they might plunder while they were at the play; an instance of which was brought to light on the second night of performing.

The following curious prologue was spoken at the theatre, which is certainly PARTICULARLY DESCRIPTIVE of the theatrical corps.

PROLOGUE.

From distant climes, o'er widespread seas we come,
Though not with much eclat, or beat of drum.
True patriots all, for be it understood,
We left our country, for our country's good;
No private views, disgraced our generous zeal,
What urged our travels, was our country's weal;
And none will doubt, but that our emigration
Has prov'd most useful, to the British nation.
But, you inquire, what could our breast inflame,
With this new passion for Theatric fame;
What, in the practice of our former days,
Could shape our talents to exhibit plays;
Your patience, Sirs, some observations made,
You'll grant as equal to the scenic trade.
He, who to midnight ladders is no stranger,
You'll own will make an admirable Ranger.
To seek Mackheath we have not far to roam,
And sure in filch I shall be quite at home.
Unrivalled there, none will dispute my claim
To high pre-eminence and exalted fame.
As oft on Gadshill we have ta'en our stand,
When 'twas so dark you could, not see your hand,
Some true-bred Falstaff we may hope to start,
Who, when well-bolster'd, well will play his part.
The scene to vary, we shall try in time
To treat you with a little pantomime.
Here light and easy Columbines are found,
And well-tried Harlequins with us abound;
From durance vile oar precious selves to keep,
We often had recourse to th' flying leap;
To a black face have sometimes ow'd escape,
And Hounslow Heath, has proved the worth of crape.
But how, you ask, can we e'er hope to soar,
Above these scenes, and rise to Tragic lore?
Too oft, alas, we've forc'd th' unwilling tear,
And petrified the heart with real fear.
Macbeth, a harvest of applause will reap.
For some of us, I fear, have murder'd sleep;
His lady too with grace will sleep and talk,
Our females have been us'd at night to walk.
Sometimes, indeed, so various is our art,
An actor may improve and mend his part:
"Give me a horse", bawls Richard, like a drone,
Well find a man would help himself to one.
Grant us your favour, put us to the test,
To gain your smiles we'll do our very best;
And, without dread of future Turnkey Lockits,
Thus, in an honest way, still pick your pockets.

That liberty, which had kindly been given for the performance of plays, probably led some to imagine, that it would be no difficult matter to obtain a licence to erect stills, and vend spirits, thus by legal means continue what had been a long time carrying on in private; but an intention fraught with such seriously destructive consequences, the Governor determined to suppress; and therefore issued the most positive orders to prevent any attempt of the kind, by desiring information to be given of any stills erected. The result was, that several were found and destroyed. It being thought expedient to ascertain the number of arms in the hands of individuals, an order was issued to all but the military, to bring their arms to the Commissaries, and take certificates of permission for bearing them. But out of 300 stand of arms, only 50 were brought in, which proved what was suspected, that they were got into improper hands.

[Glenny Palmer]

Delightful......

[Neville Briggs]

That's wonderful stuff Manfred. I don't get to live theatre much, but going on Tv theatre productions I think we have become too interested in " realism " and lost the poetic feel that was so much of theatre, right back to Shakespare ( and beyond ? )

I wondered what might constitute an impropriety in this production that would warrant the severe punishment of being shipped out. Something ribald perhaps or maybe something critical or mocking aimed at the administration ?.