Historical, Melodramatical, Balletical, Burlesque, Operatical Pantomime

The Historical, Melodramatical, Balletical, Burlesque, Operatical Pantomime was a Christmas entertainment in two acts written by an anonymous member of the Dramatic Club of the 2nd Batallion, 10th Regiment of the North Lincolnshire Regiment of Foot.

The original text

Specially created locally for the Garrison's Christmas festivities on the Eastern Cape border, it apparently pokes fun at various stereotypical characters in the Colony.

Translations and adaptations

Performance history in South Africa

1860: Performed on Christmas day in the Garrison Theatre of either Grahamstown or Keiskama Hoek on the Eastern Cape border by the North Lincolnshire Regiment of Foot. The performers and "Dramatis Personae" for the show were announced as: Private W. Dansie (Lord Westawiney, a very handsome man with a Roman nose, and very extensive whiskers), Sergeant Murray (Saulo-solo-darnell, an officious porter in the service of Lord Westawiney Province), Drummer Green (Poundspannum, an interesting sergeant in the service of Her Fairyannic Majesty), Private A. Vogado (Lionjumper, a jockey with a large hunting cap and most aspiring hopes), Private J. Dwyer (Ucumcucumlala, an ugly old Kaffir (sic) Chief), Sergeant Parrock (Asamasskuku, a fierce Hottentot fire-eater), Private F. J. Gay (Eastawoolly Province, a charming young lady with an elegant riding habit, and very noble), Private J. M. M'Kechnie (Margery Monitor, a monthly nurse, an ugly old woman, with very high heeled shoes and cold-blooded notions), Corporal T. Smith (Argusina, Margery's daughter, a pert young Cape Town lady with high notions, and promised bride to Lord Westawiney Province), Private J. Grennan (Queen of the Fairies, guardian to Eastawoolly Province).

The evening's entertainment also included "a grand Balletical (sic) Introduction" (entitled The Rivals) and the Ethiopean Serenaders with some of the favourite songs and dances as performed by Christy's Minstrels".