Le Follies Burgoo, Broad Arrow Boys

This programme advertises Le Follies Burgoo, a variety concert presented by the Broad Arrow Boys at Pentridge Prison on Sunday, 3 November 1946. The production formed part of a long tradition of prisoner entertainment at Pentridge and featured a mixture of songs, comedy sketches, impersonations and musical performances.

The programme opened with a chorus titled “Who Put the ‘P’ in Pentridge?” and included a range of acts such as Beautiful Dreamer, Fresh Fish, Great Impersonations, Prairie Flower, The Road to Mandalay and Bob’s Bootiful Boot Black Ballet. The concert concluded with a finale after more than twenty items, reflecting the considerable effort involved in staging such productions within the prison.

The programme also provides a rare glimpse into the collaborative effort behind prisoner entertainment at Pentridge. The production was presented under the supervision of Mr N. Meagher and by courtesy of the Governor, N. E. Tuohill, J.P., Esq. 

Credits are given to prisoners and prison workshops responsible for costumes, props, music, lighting, typography and programme design, illustrating the organisation and creativity involved in staging theatrical performances within the prison. The programme names a number of contributors, including Peter (director and producer), Roy (programme design), Rudy and Bill (sound and lighting effects), Finger-print Don (music), and Harry and Les (typography), as well as the Tailors Shop and Printers Shop.

Printed on the reverse side of the programme is an issue of Hard Times, a prisoner-produced humorous newspaper. Described as a “Non Serious Times” publication, it contains satirical articles, mock advertisements and prison-themed humour. The newspaper was reportedly printed on the premises with a circulation of 963 copies, suggesting it was distributed widely throughout the prison community.

Like Black and White Antics, presented earlier in 1946, Le Follies Burgoo demonstrates the important role that music, comedy and theatrical performance played in prison life. 

Held by State Library of Victoria.