I thought fellow thespians might enjoy this scathing piece from Punch Magazine. The issue is: No: 690, Vol 27, September 30th 1854. It would seem that theatre came early to Oz and the joint was already being run by 'would-be-if-they-could-be' bowing and scraping Aristocracy and Monarchists. I've attached a copy of the original article.

LEFT-OFF CLOTHES FOR AUSTRALIA

Every day advertisements may be seen in the papers, commencing with the words at the head of this article. Australia would seem to be in want of a sort of rag fair, at which worn-out wearing apparel may be obtainable. This is perhaps on account of the new Constitution, which proposes to adopt an aristocracy, and some other of our old habits. The advertisements to which we allude make special mentions of 'Regimentals and Court Suits,' as if it were in contemplation to establish in the Colonies second-hand Court costumes, to be followed by second-hand Courtiers in second-hand Court dresses, and other seedy finery. It does not say much for the cause of progress in Australia that there should be a large demand for the left-off liveries of our Courtiers, who are offered the "best price" for their trappings, by the Messers. Isaacs and Mr. and Mrs. Levy. We had hoped better for the colonies than the attempted establishment of a Holywell Street Court at Sydney or Melbourne, supplied with dresses by the ordinary costumiers of Drury Lane Masked Balls and Vauxhall Fancy Fete Galas.

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