By an Act of the Governor in Council, 9 George IV No. 14 entitled An Act for regulating places of public exhibition and entertainment (1 September 1828):

.... if any person, or persons, shall act, represent, or perform, or cause to be acted, represented, or performed, whether such acting or performance be gratuitous, or be for hire, gain, or reward, any interlude, tragedy, comedy, opera, concert, play, farce, or other entertainment, of the stage, or any other parts therein, or any stage dancing, tumbling, or horsemanship, or any other public entertainment whatever ... without authority and license from the Colonial Secretary ... forfeit and pay, for every such offence, the sum of fifty pounds'.

Please note that the Registers of licences granted (NRS 1059) under this Act are located:

Reel	Item	Dates
	4/1710	Jan 1829 - Sep 1844
2231	4/5784	Oct 1844 - Apr 1863

In accordance with this Act copies of plays were submitted to the Colonial Secretary for approval prior to being performed. He retained these copies in his office for reference if necessary. Originally the plays were with the covering letters but they have been removed and placed at SZ numbers for greater security.

This regulating power was extended to cover cinematographic films under the Theatres and Public Halls Act, 1908.

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The Bathurst Rivals or the Laughing Jackass, a Local Extravaganza

A Local Burlesque in one act, by G W Daniels, who submitted it for approval in March 1856. Dedicated to Captain Battye, the play was performed, perhaps for the first and only time, as The Princess and the Laughing Jackass at the Prince of Wales Theatre at Mrs Whitton's Commerical Hotel in Bathurst on 31 March 1856. (Play enclosure to 56/2578; covering letter, associated papers and play at [4/3317B], photocopy at COD 601)

Billy Barlow

An Eccentric Farce in one act, by Charles Alexander Dibdin. Submitted for approval by Charles Alexander Dibdin. Performed as The Barlow Family at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 12 October 1843. (Play enclosure to 43/5607; covering letter 43/5607 in [4/4559.1], microfilm copy SR Reel 2255; play at [SZ49], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 29)

Contradiction, or A Wife Upon Sufferance

A farce in two acts [by John Lazar]. Submitted for approval by John Lazar. Performed at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 6 September 1843. (Play enclosure to 43/5358; covering letter 43/5358 in [4/4561.1], microfilm copy SR Reel 2256; play at [SZ50], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

The Currency Lass or My Native Girl

An operetta in two acts by the Author of 'The Hibernian Father' [Edward Geoghegan]. 2 volumes. Submitted for approval by William Knight. Performed at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 27 May 1844. (Play enclosure to 44/4164; covering letter 44/4164 in [4/2653.5], microfilm copy SR Reel 2259; play at [SZ51 A & B], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 29, and photocopy at City COD108)

Desrues

A melodrama in three acts [by Thomas Wilson, Mayor of Adelaide]. 3 volumes. Submitted for approval by John Lazar. Performed at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 16 October 1843. (Play enclosure to 43/7061; covering letter 43/7061 in [4/4561.1], microfilm copy SR Reel 2256; play at [SZ52 A, B & C], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

The Duel

A drama in two acts, translated from the French of 'Un Duel sous [le Cardinal de] Richelieu' by J P Lockroy and E Baden (1832). Submitted for approval by John Lazar. This play was performed at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 22 August 1843, as The Duchess de Chevreuse, or A Duel in the Olden Time, a drama in three acts by Jacob L. Montefiore Esq. (Play enclosure to 43/5494; covering letters with 43/5494 in [4/4561.1], microfilm copy SR Reel 2256; play at [SZ53], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

The Duellist

A drama in three acts by Joseph Simmons. Submitted for approval by Joseph Simmons. Performed as The Duelist, or The Minister's Daughter at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 12 August 1844. (Play enclosure to 44/4374; covering letters with 44/4374 in [4/2655.1], microfilm copy SR Reel 2259; play at [SZ54], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

The Hibernian Father

A tragedy in five acts [by Edward Geoghegan]. Submitted for approval by William Knight. Performed at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 6 May 1844. (Play enclosure to 44/3673; covering letter 44/3673 with 52/4057 in [4/3078]; play at [SZ55], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

Isabel of Valois or The Tyrant of Navarre

A drama in two acts founded on the records of Navarre, by H C O'Flaherty. Also subtitled 'or The Queen of Navarre'. Submitted for approval by H C O'Flaherty. Performed as Isabel of Valois, or The Tyrant Queen at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 11 August 1842. (Play enclosure to 42/5458; covering letter 42/5458 in [4/2578.6], microfilm copy SR Reel 2252; play at [SZ56], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

The Jew of Dresden or A Husband's Vengeance

A tragedy in three acts by the author of 'The Hibernian Father', 'Currency Lass', 'Royal Masquer' [Edward Geoghegan]. With letters to the Colonial Secretary dated 16 September 1846 and 2 September 1852. (Archival estray - originals formerly in possession of Mr G Johnson; originals in Mitchell Library MSS 5311. Photocopy in Mitchell Library at [A4043]; microfilm copy ML Reel FM3/236. Further letters 46/7249 in [4/2731.2], microfilm copy SR Reel 2265, and 52/5556 in [4/3112])

John of Austria

An opera by Jacob Levi Montefiore. 'The plot is taken and many scenes are literal translations from Casimiri Delavigne's celebrated comedy of "Don John of Austria"'[quoted from title page]. Submitted for approval by John Lazar. Performed as Don John of Austria at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 3 May 1847 with music by Isaac Nathan. (Play enclosure to 47/3632; play with three accompanying letters dated 1846-47 in [SZ57]; microfilm copy SR Reel 2558)

King Gold, an Australian Extravaganza

A play in two acts, submitted for approval by George Fred. Cockett. Approval for its performance was granted but the date of performance and the name of the theatre where it was performed are unknown. (Play enclosure to 54/10895; covering letter and play at [4/3256B], photocopy at COD 601)

Lafitte The Pirate or The Ocean Sourge

A nautical drama in three acts by Patrick Riley, comedian, 1845 [adaptation by Edward Geoghegan]. Performed as Lafitte the Pirate, or The Outlaws of Barritaria at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 24 November 1845. (Play enclosure to 45/6126; covering letters 45/6126 and 45/7895 in [4/2695.3], microfilm copy SR Reel 2262; play at [SZ58], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

The Last Days of Pompeii

A drama in three acts [adaptation by Edward Geoghegan]. 3 volumes. Presented by John Lazar. Performed as The Last Days of Pompeii, or Nydia the Blind Girl at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 29 July 1844. (Play enclosure to 44/8626; covering letters 44/5543 with 44/8626 in [4/2653.6], microfilm copy SR Reel 2259; play at [SZ59 A, B & C], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

Life In Sydney or The Ran Dan Club

A Burletta in one act, by FOCH [Henry C O'Flaherty], written expressly for the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney, July 31st 1843. Submitted for approval by H C O'Flaherty. An adaptation of W.T. Moncreiff's 'Tom and Jerry, or Life in London' (1821). (Play enclosure to 43/6965; covering letters with 43/6965 in [4/4562.2], microfilm copy SR Reel 2256; play at [SZ60], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 29)

'I am requested by the author ... to crave your permission or consent to its presentation on the Sydney Boards. Fearful least you should be unwilling to acknowledge the work without a name to it, I am directed to apply to you for it in my name ...

H. C. O'Flaherty'

Minute - 'Inform Mr O'Flaherty that I regret I cannot sanction the representation of this piece at the Theatre as it contains matter of a libellous character independently of other objections'. (43/6965 in [4/4562.2])

Lough Deargh's Shrine

A tragedy in three acts. Anonymous [by George Ferrers Pickering]. Submitted for approval by J. Gordon Griffiths. Performed as Lough Deargh's Shrine, or The Cave of Penance at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 13 December 1847. (Play enclosure to 47/1729, not found; play with covering letter dated 13 December 1847 in [SZ57], microfilm copy SR Reel 2558)

Marguerite or He Might Do Worse

A comedy in three acts by Jacob Levi Montefiore. Submitted for approval by Jacob L. Montefiore. (Play enclosure to 47/3785; covering letter 47/3785 in [4/2771.1], microfilm copy SR Reel 2268; play at [SZ61], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

Negro Vengeance, A Tale Of Barbadoes

A drama in two acts [author unknown]. Submitted by theatre manager Thomas L. Pitt. Performed at the Maitland Theatre on 6 August 1845. (Play enclosure to 45/5471; play bound in [SZ57] together with covering letter 45/5471 dated 25 July 1845; microfilm copy SR Reel 2558)

The Outcast or The Irish Maniac

A tragic play in three acts by Francis Belfield. Performed at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 31 July 1852. (Play at [SZ1019], photocopy at City COD255; covering letter 52/5554 in [4/3112]).

The Queer Client

By Charles Alexander Dibdin. Submitted for approval by Charles Dibdin. Based on an 1837 story in Charles Dickens' 'The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club'. Performed as The Queer Client, or The Avenger at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 16 May 1842. (Play enclosure to 42/3644; covering letter 42/3644 in [4/2577.2], microfilm copy SR Reel 2252; further letter 43/1194 in [4/4559.1], microfilm copy SR Reel 2255; play at [SZ62], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

Ravenswood

A tragic drama in three acts, by Francis Nesbitt [attributed to Edward Geoghegan]. Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney 1843. Adapted from Sir Walter Scott's novel 'The Bride of Lammermoor'. Performed at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 13 February 1843. (Covering letter not found; play at [SZ57], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

Raymond Lord Of Milan

A tragedy of the 13th Century in three acts by Edward Reeve. Play dated 1847. Performed at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 14 September 1863. (Archival estray purchased from G K Gray and Co. in June 1975. Play enclosure to letter 48/7620, not found; play at [SZ103], photocopy at City COD109)

The Rebel Chief

A melodrama in three acts by Francis Belfield. Performed at the Queen's Theatre, Melbourne on 14 December 1849. Submitted by Francis Belfield. (Archival estray purchased from G.K. Gray and Co. in June 1975. Play enclosure to letter 49/10677, not found; play at [SZ110], photocopy at City COD111)

Retribution or The Drunkard's Curse

A drama in two acts by Francis Belfield. Submitted by Francis Belfield. Performed at the Queen's Theatre, Melbourne on 14 February 1849. (Archival estray purchased from Peter Arnold of Melbourne. Play enclosure to 49/1609, not found; play and letter from Weston King, Manager, Queen's Theatre, Melbourne, dated 5 February 1849, enclosure to 49/1609, at [SZ106]; photocopy at City COD110)

Rookwood or The Adventures of Dick Turpin and Tom King

By George Arabin. Royal Victoria Theatre 1850. Performed as Rookwood, or The Adventures of Dick Turpin and Death of Tom King at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 13 February 1851. (Play enclosure to 50/9537; covering letters 50/8940 and 50/9258 with 50/9537 in [4/2916]; play at [SZ57], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

St George And The Dragon, or Harlequin And The Seven Champions of Christendom

1. Grand Pantomime. 1 volume.
2. Comic Scenes in the Pantomime of ST GEORGE AND THE DRAGON. 1 volume.

Submitted for approval by John Lazar. Presented by John Lazar at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 13 April 1846. (Covering letters (a) 46/1913 and (b) 46/2456 in [4/2731.5], microfilm copy SR Reel 2265; play at [SZ63 A & B], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

Salathiel or The Jewish Chieftain

A drama in three acts by Conrad Knowles. 3 volumes. Submitted for approval by Conrad Knowles. Adapted from Sir Edward Bulwer-Lytton's novel 'Leila, or the Seige of Granada' (1838). Performed at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 4 August 1842. (Play enclosure to 42/5639; covering letters 42/4978 with 42/5639 in [4/2578.2], microfilm copy SR Reel 2252; play at [SZ64 A, B & C], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

Shaksperi Conglommorofunnidogammoniae

A musical extravaganza in one act, by Charles Nagel Esq. Printed by W.A. Duncan, King-street, East Sydney 1843. Submitted for approval by Charles Nagel. Performed at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 1 July 1844. (Play enclosure to 44/4568; covering letter 44/4568 in [4/2654.2], microfilm copy SR Reel 2259; play at [SZ65], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 29)

They Are Both Gone Mad or The Cadi And The Cobbler

A Turkish farce in two acts by Thomas Fennell, late R.N. Sydney N.S. Wales, July 1848. Submitted for approval by Thomas Fennell. It was to be performed at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney in 1849. (Play enclosure to 49/4079; covering letters 49/4079 and 49/4256 in [4/2859.2], microfilm copy SR Reel 2275; play at [SZ66], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

True Love or The Interlude Interupted

A farce in two acts, written by [ ], Sydney, 24th May 1845, J. Simes. [Attributed to Edward Geoghegan]. Submitted for approval by William Knight and Joseph Wyatt. Performed at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 23 June 1845. Billed as 'written by a Gentleman of Sydney'. (Play enclosure to 45/4058; covering letter 45/4058 in [4/2694.3], microfilm copy SR Reel 2261; play at [SZ69], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

Zazezizozu or Harlequin Dominoes And Chess And the King of Card Island

Presented by John Lazar. Submitted for approval by John Lazar. To be performed at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney in 1846. (Play enclosure to 46/7696; covering letter 46/7696 in [4/2731.5], microfilm copy SR Reel 2265; play at [SZ67], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

Zisca The Avenger

A tragic play in five acts by Francis Belfield. Submitted for approval by Francis Belfield. Performed at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney on 3 November 1851. (Play enclosure to 51/9783; covering letter 51/9783 in [4/3015]; play at [SZ68], microfilm copy of play SR Reel 2558)

Related content

• Colonial drama in New South Wales (PDF, 69kb)

Article by Janette Pelosi. Originally written 'Margin' in 2003 and published as 'Colonial Drama Revealed, or Plays Submited for Approval', Margin: Life and Letters of Early Australia, No.60 (July/August 2003), pp.21-34. The article provides an overview of the surviving plays in the State Records collection; the plays include tragedies, dramas, melodramas, comedies, farces, burlesques, burlettas, operettas, a musical extravaganza and even two pantomimes.