The New Crime
| The New Crime, or, 'Andsome 'Enery's Mare's Nest | |
|---|---|
 Sydney Morning Herald 4 August 1868 | |
| Written by | Walter Cooper |
| Date premiered | August 7, 1868 |
| Place premiered | Victoria Theatre, Sydney |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | comedy |
The New Crime, or, 'Andsome 'Enery's Mare's Nest is a 1868 Australian stage play by Walter Cooper.[1] The play, a comic farce, followed on the success of Cooper's first play, Colonial Experience.[2][3]
The New Crime was inspired by claims from New South Wales politician Henry Parkes that there was a "new crime" in the colony, that of Fenianism (this followed the attempted assassination of Prince Alfred in Sydney in 1868 by Henry O'Farrell).[4]
The Tamworth Examiner said "the English papers have treated the colony to a little bit of their mind" over the issue and since "Sydney people feel that they have a good deal to answer for in connection with the matter, and feeling further the humiliation which has been brought upon them, are prepared to go to great lengths to relieve themselves in some way of the very severe rebuke which have been administered them. Mr, Cooper, in order to meet popular sentiment, has written a farce."[4]
The play premiered at Victoria Theatre in Sydney on a double bill with The Rivals. Opening night also operated as a benefit for author Walter Cooper.[5]
Critical reaction
[edit]The Sydney Morning Herald said the play was "well written, and contains sufficient humour spiced with hits upon posed and passing events to provoke considerable amusement."[5]
The Tamworth Examiner said the play "seems to be immensely enjoyed by the citizens. We have not the least doubt but that if properly handled the farce will prove successful, for a more shameful trick was never played upon any community of Englishmen by a Cabinet Minister than that performed by Mr. Parkes with his "New Crime"."[4]
Cast of original production
[edit]- Mr Davis as "The Hon. 'Enery Brummagen"
- Mr Andrews as "Murphy O'Mulligan"
- Mr Holloway as "Flat"
- Mrs Jones as "Mrs. Cadger"
References
[edit]- ^ "Advertising". The Sydney Morning Herald. Vol. LVIII, no. 9425. New South Wales, Australia. 4 August 1868. p. 8. Retrieved 6 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Advertising". The Sydney Morning Herald. Vol. LVIII, no. 9427. New South Wales, Australia. 6 August 1868. p. 8. Retrieved 6 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "PUNCH'S EVENING AMUSEMENTS". Sydney Punch. New South Wales, Australia. 8 August 1868. p. 7. Retrieved 6 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ a b c "THE LARGEST TREE IN THE WORLD". The Manning River News And Advocate For The Northern Coast Districts Of New South Wales. Vol. IV, no. 19. New South Wales, Australia. 22 August 1868. p. 2. Retrieved 6 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ a b "The Sydney Morning Herald". The Sydney Morning Herald. Vol. LVIII, no. 9429. New South Wales, Australia. 8 August 1868. p. 6. Retrieved 6 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
External links
[edit]- The New Crime at Ausstage