Konvix in Klover, Broad Arrow Boys

This programme advertises Konvix in Klover, a theatrical revue presented by the Broad Arrow Boys at Pentridge Prison on Sunday, 1 September 1946. The production formed part of a series of prisoner-organised concerts and variety shows staged at Pentridge during the 1940s.

The programme was presented as “A B Division Production” and was produced under the supervision of Mr N. Meagher. The performance was held by courtesy of the Governor, N. E. Tuohill, J.P., Esq., and featured a diverse programme of songs, comedy sketches and novelty acts. Among the items listed were The Gypsy, Soldier’s Sweetheart, Dusty Road, Doctor Death, Begin the Beguine, Konvix in Klover, Trees, Nautical Nonsense and Morry Introduces the Stars.

As with other Broad Arrow Boys productions, the programme combined entertainment with humour. Short comments accompany many of the acts, including remarks such as “We’ll have nine more months done”, “We had to steal one act” and “That’s where the Pub is”. The introductory message encouraged prisoners to take part in future performances, noting:

“You might think that we’re all dopes, but you may be a budding Bob Hope.”

The programme credits several individuals and prison workshops involved in the production. Peter served as director, Roy designed the programme, Bill was responsible for sound effects, Finger-print Don provided the music, and Harry and Les were credited with typography. Costumes were supplied by 4 Gang, while 1 Gang provided the lighting effects. These acknowledgements illustrate the collaborative nature of prisoner entertainment and the range of skills that existed within the prison community.

The reverse side of the programme features a series of parody advertisements and humorous notices, including Meagher’s School of Music, Hird’s Backward Boys Academy, and Le Costello Bureau D’Information. Like the mock advertisements found in other Broad Arrow Boys programmes, these were intended to amuse the audience while showcasing the creativity of the performers and organisers.

A newspaper article published in The Herald on 5 October 1946 provides rare contemporary evidence about the Broad Arrow Boys and their concerts at Pentridge. The article described the productions as regular vaudeville-style shows attended by 500–600 prisoners and noted that many of the songs, sketches and recitations were written by prisoners themselves. It also identified Warder N. Meagher as bandmaster and supervisor of concert preparations, while prison workshops supplied costumes, decorations, programmes and stage effects. According to the article, concerts were held every two months and formed an important part of prison welfare and recreation.

Konvix in Klover is one of several surviving Broad Arrow Boys programmes from 1946, alongside Black and White Antics (June 1946) and Le Follies Burgoo (November 1946). Together, these programmes provide valuable evidence of the theatrical and musical culture that flourished within Pentridge Prison during the post-war period.

A b/w copy of the programme is held by Coburg Historical Society.