Guide to the Phillip Street Theatre : programs and related material collected by the National Library of Australia

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Ephemera (PROMPT).Phillip Street Theatre

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Collection Summary

Title
Phillip Street Theatre : programs and related material collected by the National Library of Australia
Date Range
1954 - 1985
Collection Number
Ephemera (PROMPT).Phillip Street Theatre
Extent
75 items
Language of Materials
English
Repository
Printed Collections

Introduction

Scope and Contents

Printed materials in the PROMPT collection include programs and printed ephemera such as brochures, leaflets, tickets, etc. Theatre programs are taken as the prime documentary evidence of a performance. In a few cases however, the only evidence of a performance is a piece of printed ephemera. In these cases the type of piece is identified, e.g. brochure.

The list is based on imperfect holdings, and is updated as gaps in the Library's holdings are filled. Unless otherwise stated, all entries are based on published programs in the PROMPT collection.

Preferred Citation

Acknowledgement of use this material should refer to the Ephemera PROMPT collection.

Citation of items from this collection should include references to author's/organisation's name, date, item title, Publisher and place of publication.

Example: J.C. Williamson (Firm). & Theatre Royal (Adelaide, S.A.). 1950, Gilbert & Sullivan opera season [theatre program] : The gondoliers J. C. Williamson Ltd [Adelaide]

The National Library's collection also includes other material relating to the Phillip Street Theatre available through the Library's catalogue [https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/].

A variety of material is accessable via TROVE [https://trove.nla.gov.au/] which includes performance reviews and advertisements in Australian newspaper and magazines as well as other archival and pictorial material.

Arrangement

This Finding Aid is chronological by year and then by month, week or day. All dating is based on evidence in the programs or other ephemera. Entries for each program are arranged as follows: name of production; year, day/s and month; Venue/Theatre and city; Director/Producer, featured actors

Biographical / Historical

The Phillip Street Theatre (succeeded by the Phillip Theatre) was a popular and influential commercial Sydney theatre and theatrical company of the 1950s and 1960s that became well known for its intimate satirical revue productions.

William Orr was the company's founding Director of Productions, and Eric Duckworth was General Manager. After taking over the Mercury Theatre in Phillip Street, William Orr re-opened it as the Phillip Street Theatre in 1954, presenting a series of "Phillip Street Revues" and children's musicals, including Top of the Bill and Hit and Run (both 1954), Willow Pattern Plate (1957), Cross Section (1957-58), Ride on a Broomstick(1959), Mistress Money (1960).

These featured many noted Australian performers, many who later went on to become well known film, theatre and television personalities, including Gordon Chater, Margot Lee, Barry Creyton, Jill Perryman, Noeline Brown, Robina Beard, Judi Farr, Kevin Miles, Charles "Bud" Tingwell, Ray Barrett, Ruth Cracknell, June Salter, John Meillon, Barry Humphries, Reg Livermore, Peter Phelps, and Gloria Dawn.

The Phillip Street Theatre was demolished at the time of Out on a Limb with Bobby Limb and Dawn Lake in 1961, and the Company moved to the Australian Hall at 150 Elizabeth Street, near Liverpool Street. The company's name was then shortened to the Phillip Theatre in recognition of this move. From 1981 the programs show the theatre as Phillip Street Theatre once again.

Item Descriptions

Series. Phillip Street Theatre Performances, 1954 - 1985

Top of the Bill, Commencing 7 May 1954 (File)

Starring: Ken Hannam, Charles Tingwell, Gordon Chater, John Mellion, Peter Collins, Lyle O'Hara, Lola Brooks, John Fleming, Margo Lee. 3 programs, several printings. 2 from first production in new theatre. 1 from later production, probably 1955.

Hit and Run, Commencing 9 October 1954 (File)

Starring: Bettina Welch, Lola Brooks, Susanne Musitz, June Salter, Lyle O'Hara, Ray Barrett, Charles Tingwell, Gordon Chater, John Ewart. 3 programs.

Hat Trick, Commencing 20 January 1955 (File)

Starring: Max Oldaker, Aileen Britton, Sheila Helpmann, Shirley Sunners, Lyle O'Hara, June Salter, Paula Langlands, Diana Davidson. 3 programs.

Happy Returns, Commencing 12 May 1955 (File)

Starring: Lyle O'Hara, Margo Lee, Gordon Chater, Ray Barrett, John Meillon. 1 program.

The Duenna, Commencing 22 June 1955 (File)

Starring: Ruth Cracknell, Gordon Chater. 4 programs.

Two to One, Commencing 5 November 1955 (File)

Starring: Max Oldaker, Barbara Wyndon, Diana Field, Wendy Blacklock, Joyce Quealy, Gina Curtis. 3 programs. 3 programmes, 1 for first 100 productions, 2 for post 100th production, with new songs, sketches and actors.

Celebrating Our First Year…, 1955 (File)

Souvenir booklet, 3 copies.

Mr & Mrs, Commencing 11 May 1956 (File)

Starring: Nola Lester, Johnny O'Connor, Barry Humphries, Brenda Humphries. 3 programs: 2 of an early production with program inserts; 1 for a later production.

Around the Loop, Commencing 1 August 1956-1957 (File)

Starring: Max Oldaker, June Salter, Gordon Chater, Barry Humphries. 5 programs: 2 programs for original production 1/8/1956; 1 program from 12st anniversary production 1/8/1957 and 2 programs from 400th production with different layout probably 1957.

Alice in Wonderland (pantomime), Commencing 14 December 1956 (File)

Starring: Shirley Regan, Max Oldaker, June Salter, Gordon Chater, Barry Humphries, John Fleming, Kathleen Gorham. 1 program.

Willow Pattern Plate, Commencing 29 June 1957 (File)

Starring: John Parker, Maree Austin, Rhonny Gabriel, Owen Weingott, Reginald Livermore, Leon Thau l. 3 programs; 1 from early printing and 2 from later printing.

Cross Section, Commencing 12 September 1957-1958 (File)

Starring: June Salter, Ruth Cracknell, Yolanda Rodrigues, Antonio Rodrigues, John Parker, Rhonny Gabriel. 6 programs: 3 of initial printing; 1 with additional numbers as part of program; 1 of 1958 with new numbers and addition to cast of John Mellion; 1 towards end of production run.

Country tour of New South Wales and Queensland throughout 1958: The Willow Pattern Plate - Musical Phantasy, 1958 (File)

Production by William Orr. Financed by Arts Council of Australia NSW Division. Starring: Janice Goldman, Ian Field, John Beach, Joyce Simmons, Peter Kenna, Tony Bazell, Robina Beard, Beryl Marshall, Russ Burton. 2 programs.

Bats, Commencing 1 October 1958 (File)

Starring: Lyle O'Hara, Jill Perryman, Alton Harvey, John Bluthal, Ronald Frazer. 3 programs: 1 with different advertisement

Alice in Wonderland (pantomime), Commencing 26 December 1958 - 24 January 1959 (File)

Starring: Dawne McFarlane, Max Meldrum, Ian Burgis, Alton Harvey, John Unicomb, Robina Beard, Peter Kenna. 1 program.

The Birthday Show, Commencing 5 May 1959 (File)

Starring: Lyle O'Hara, Jill Perryman, Alton Harvey, John Bluthal, Ronald Frazer. 3 programs.

Meet Joyce Grenfell, Commencing 15 July 1959 (File)

Starring Joyce Grenfell. 2 programs.

Hey Diddle Diddle, Commencing 21 October 1959 (File)

Starring: Gordon Chater, Lyle O'Hara, Jill Perryman, Kevan Johnston. 3 programs: 3 different print runs with last in early 1960.

A Ride on a Broomstick (pantomime), Commencing 26 December 1959 (File)

Starring: Gordon Chater, Barbara Wyndon. 1 program.

Phillip Street Revue, Commencing 27 April 1960 (File)

Starring: Max Oldaker, Lyle O'Hara, Jill Perryman, Kevan Johnston. 5 programs: 2 from initial printing and production; 1 from later printing/production with additional numbers and different advertisements; 1 with different advertisement; 1 later again with different cast.

Mistress Money, Commencing 27 May 1960 (File)

Starring: Gordon Chater, Sheila Bradley,Wendy Blacklock, John Unicomb. 3 programs, newspaper review clippings inside one program.

Out on a Limb, Commencing 8 March 1961 (File)

Starring: Bobby Limb, Dawn Lake, Bettina Welch, Helen Lorain. 1 program.

Stop Press, Commencing 17 May 1961 (File)

Starring: Stewart Ginn, Barbara Wyndon, Brigid Lenihan, Dibbs Mather, Jud Farr. 3 programs: 2 printings, 1 from first printing and 2 from second printing.

Yes Please, Commencing 7 October 1961 (File)

Starring: Gordon Chater, Jill Perryman, Jim Hannan, Judi Farr, Mary Hardy. 5 programs: 2 programs are the same and 3 have variations in layout of advertisements and cast photographs.

At It Again, Commencing 30 March 1962 (File)

Starring: Gordon Chater, Jill Perryman, Kevan Johnston, Ray Taylor, Judi Farr. 4 programs. Programs show 3 print runs with varying advertisements for upcoming Phillip Street shows.

What's New?, Commencing 6 July 1962 (File)

Starring: Janet Brown, Noeline Brown, Barry Creyton, Earle Cross, Margaret Dence. 2 programs in 2 print runs.

Beyond the Fringe, Commencing 8 September 1962 (File)

Starring: Barry Brown, Alastair Duncan, John Ewart, Brian Tapply. 3 programs; 2 in 1st print run and 2 in 2nd print run.

A Wish is a Dream (pantomime), Commencing 26 December 1962 (File)

Starring: Valda Bagnall, Bryan Davies, Jackie Weaver, Neva Carr Glyn, Dolore Whiteman, Terry Mitchell. 1 program, 1 flyer.

Flaming Youth, Commencing 1 February 1963 (File)

Starring: George Foster, Jill Perryman, Shirley Sunners, Robina Beard, Dolore Whiteman, Alton Harvey. 2 programs, including tickets for performance on Saturday 25 May.

Do You Mind!, Commencing 10 May 1963 (File)

Starring: Gordon Chater, Jill Perryman, Diana Perryman. 2 programs.

The Private Ear - the Public Eye, Commencing 13 November 1963 (File)

Starring: Judith Stott, Gordon Chater, Max Osbiston. 3 programs, 1 program includes ticket for performance on Friday 10 January 1964. Programs show 2 print runs and change of cast for 2nd print run (Bell out and McManus in).

The Importance of Being Oscar, Commencing 23 March 1964 (File)

Starring: Micheal MacLiammoir. 2 programs.

I Must Be Talking To My Friends, Commencing 4 May 1964 (File)

Starring: Micheal MacLiammoir. 1 program.

Rattle of a Simple Man, Commencing 16 May 1964 (File)

Starring: John Meillon, June Salter, Kerry Francis. 2 programs.

Breakfast with Julia, Commencing 27 July 1964 (File)

Starring: James Condon, Marie Redshaw, Glenna Brydon, James Mellen. 1 program, 1 flyer.

Is Australia Really Necessary?, Commencing 3 October 1964 (File)

Starring: Miriam Karlin, Red Moore, Barbara Wyndon. 3 programs. Cast change during run with Red Moore replaced by Alton Harvey. 1 Program overprinted with program for Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust.

Alice in Wonderland, Commencing 18 December 1964 (File)

Starring Joanna Lockwood, Johnny Lockwood, Henri Szeps.

The Knack, Commencing 19 February 1965 (File)

Starring: Reginald Livermore, Janne Coghlan, Tom Oliver, Peter Whitford. 2 programs.

A Severed Head, Commencing 29 May 1965 (File)

Starring: Robin Bailey, Diana Perryman, Michael Blakemore. 2 programs, differences in advertisements between 2 programs.

Tintookies, Commencing 3 September 1965 (File)

The Marionette Theatre of Australia's presentation of Peter Scriven's original Tintookies. 1 program.

A Cup of Tea, a Bex and a Good Lie Down, Commencing 18 September 1965 (File)

Starring: Gloria Dawn, John Ewart, Reginald Livermore, Brigid Lenihan, Kevan Johnston, Judith Roberts, Donald MacDonald, Barbara Wyndon. 7 programs: 3 programs with Ruth Cracknell, before cast change to Brigid Lenihan; 1 program for 200th performance; 2 programs for 200th - 300th performance.

The Fantasticks, Commencing 7 September 1966 (File)

Starring: Willie Fennell, Rosalind Seagreave, Brian Hannan, Ron Shand, Robin Cuming, Frank Lloyd. 1 program.

Private Yuk Objects, Commencing 8 October 1966 (File)

Starring: Graeme Blundell, Alan Hopgood, Brian James, Jessica Noad, Michael Duffield. Presented by the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust, a Union Repetory Company production. 2 programs and 1 flyer.

Luv, Commencing 12 November 1966 (File)

Starring: Alastair Duncan, Diana Davidson, Mark McManus, Ian Cadenhead. 2 programs.

Robert Morley, Commencing 4 February 1967 (File)

Starring: Robert Morley. 1 program.

Hail Gloria Fitzpatrick, Commencing 11 March 1967 (File)

Starring: Gloria Dawn, Red Moore, Maggie Dence, Robina Beard, Donald MacDonald. 1 program.

There Will be and Interval of 15 Minutes, Commencing 10 May 1967 (File)

Starring: Gloria Dawn, Donald MacDonald, Bobby Donovan, June Salter. 2 programs.

All By Myself, Commencing 6 September 1967 (File)

Starring Anna Russell. 2 flyers only.

Canberra Theatre (Canberra ACT) / But I Wouldn't Want To Live There, Commencing 11 October 1967 (File)

Starring: Gloria Dawn, Ruth Cracknell, Lyle O'Hara. 1 program.

But I Wouldn't Want To Live There, Commencing 21 October 1967 (File)

Starring: Gloria Dawn, Ruth Cracknell, Lyle O'Hara. Australian premiere. 2 programs, 1 flyer (signed by Ruth Cracknell).

Relatively Speaking, Commencing 20 March 1968 (File)

Starring: Googie Withers, John McCallum, Peter Adams, Rowena Wallace. 4 programs, differing advertisements.

The Boy Friend, Commencing 20 July 1968 (File)

Starring: Queenie Ashton, Robina Beard, Julie Day, Ric Hutton, Doug. Kingsman, Frank Lloyd. 4 programs: 1 program signed by Queenie Ashton and Kathy Reed; 1 program with sticker on cover indicating Canberra Theatre performance on July 9, 1968.

Your Own Thing, Commencing 1 March 1969 (File)

Starring: Bryan Davies, Lynn Rogers, Bunny Gibson, Lois Ramsey, Kristen Mann, Rod Dunbar. 2 programs plus ticket for opening night.

Lie Back and Enjoy It, Commencing 18 June 1969 (File)

Starring: Carol Raye, Hazel Phillips, Beryl Cheers, Al Thomas, Max Phipps, Tony Jenkins. 2 programs.

Candy Stripe Balloon, Commencing 4 September 1969 (File)

Starring: Grahame Bond, Sean McEuan, Anna Nygh, Peter Campbell, Wilfred Last. 2 programs.

Not Now, Darling, Commencing 22 October 1969 (File)

Starring: Ron Frazer, Hugh Lloyd. 3 programs. One program shows cast change and different advertisements.

The Bandwagon, Commencing 6 March 1970 (File)

Starring: Peggy Mount, Bettina Welch, Michael Laurence, Gordon Glenwright, Jacki Weaver. 2 programs.

Emlyn Williams as Charles Dickens, Commencing 1 August 1970 (File)

Starring: Emlyn Williams. 1 program, sticker on program marking premiere performance.

When We Are Married, Commencing 27 August 1970 (File)

Starring: Johnny Lockwood, Jill Perryman, Barbara Wyndon, Susan Swinford, Leila Blake, Joan Bruce, Johnny Ladd, Henri Szeps, Raymond Duparc. 2 programs, variations in advertisements between copies of program.

Come Live With Me, Commencing 6 February 1971 (File)

Starring: Ron Randell, Don Pascoe, Diana Davidson, Owen Weingott, Arna-Maria Winchester, Kate Fitzpatrick, Laya Raki. 1 program with scene change pasted over program.

Who Killed Santa Claus, Commencing 24 April 1971 (File)

Starring: Maggie Fitzgibbon, Brian Adams, Lionel Long, George Carden, Lorraine Bayly, Reg Evans, Bruce Kilpatrick , John Bonney. 2 programs, one program signed by Maggie Fitzgibbon.

Under Milkwood, Commencing 17 June 1980 (File)

Starring: Natalie Bate, Felicity Gordon, Mick Day, Michael McGrath, Matthew O'Sullivan, John Scoles. 1 program.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears (pantomime), Commencing December 1981 (File)

Starring: Arthur Pickering, Les Asmussen, Cliff Wallace, Rona Coleman, Lyn Collingwood. 1 program with insert advertising May 1982 pantomime of Sleeping Beauty and September 1982 pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Flexitime, Commencing 12 November 1981 (File)

Starring: Les Asmussen, John Clayton, Guy Malcolm, Lyn Collingwood, Paul Smith, Gordon Glenwright, Kev Golsby. 2 programs, includes unsourced news clippings.

The Anniversary, Commencing 18 March 1982 (File)

Starring: June Salter, Zoe Bertram, Alan Wilson, John Hamblin, Malcolm Thompson, Belinda Giblin. 2 programs, includes unsourced news clippings.

Cowardy Custard, Commencing 30 September 1982-2 October 1982 (File)

Starring: Myra De Groot, Ric Hutton, Meg Chilcott, Robert Berry. 1 program Includes news clippings from SMH dated Septemebr 18, 1982 and two further clippings hand dated 2/10/1982.

Sister Mary Ignatius explains it all for you and the actor's nightmare, 8 October 1983 (File)

Play by Christopher Durang. Starring Margo Lee, Timothy Meldrum or Simon Mills, Tim Elston, Diana Denley, Vanessa Downing, and Tim Page

The Removalists, Commencing 6 March 1984 (File)

Starring: Warwick Moss, Dale Randall, Di Morrissey, Karen Pini, John Stone, Terry Brady. 2 programs.

The Cake Man, Commencing 6 June 1984 (File)

Starring: Justine Saunders, Athol Compton, Graham Moore, Peter Carmody, Tim Elston, Michael Ferguson. 2 programs.

The Shifting Heart, Commencing 7 September 1984-1985 (File)

Starring: Reg Gillam, Barbara Wyndon, Christopher Simon, Kay Eklund, Patrick Ward, Olga Tamara, Peter Rowley, Tim Elston. 2 programs: 1 program shows different cast and may date from 1985. Cast includes Alan Tobin, Noelene Brown, Angelo [d'Angelo], Chantal Contouri.

The Diary of Anne Frank, Commencing 18 September 1984 (File)

Starring: Roger Climpson. 2 programs.

The Club, Commencing 17 September 1985 (File)

Starring: Mark Butler, John Clayton, Kit Taylor, Tom Considine, Kevin Healy, Peter Phelps. 1 program.

The Removalists, 1985 (File)

Starring: Paul Sonkkila, Rod Samson, Carole Skinner, Raintree Skinner, Noel Hook, Patrick Ward. 1 program.

The Glass Menagerie, Commencing first half of year 1985 (File)

Starring: Andrew McFarlane, Diana Davidson, Anna Lee, Nicholas Eadie. 2 programs.

Crown matrimonial by Royce Ryton, 3 May 1986 (File)

Australian tour 1986. Starring June Salter, John Hamblin. Directed by Peter Williams. A Phillip St. Theatre Production.


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