Photo Info

Uploaded on: September 4, 2026

Size: 402.3 KB

Views: 21

License:

The Australian production of the musical Irma La Douce played at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Brisbane from May 20, 1961, to June 1961.

The staging was handled by the Australian theatrical firm J.C. Williamson Theatres Ltd. Noel Ferrier starred in the production, which helped bring the distinctly French, tongue-in-cheek humor of the piece alive for local audiences.

Set in the gritty underbelly of Paris, the comedy musical follows a poor law student named Nestor who falls head over heels for a successful prostitute, Irma la Douce. Driven by jealousy, Nestor transforms into a fictional wealthy alter ego (“Monsieur Oscar”) to become her sole client—leading to an exhausting double life and a hilariously convoluted “murder” trial.

The 1961 Brisbane run was highly regarded for capturing the energetic, “delightfully naughty” spirit of the original West End and Broadway hits.

Marguerite Monnot’s celebrated score (featuring standout tracks like “Dis-Donc” and “Our Language of Love”) was a major highlight for theatregoers at the time.

This performance remains a piece of Brisbane’s lost theatrical heritage. Her Majesty’s Theatre (originally opened on Queen Street in 1888 as Her Imperial Majesty’s Opera House) was one of the city’s grandest institutions. Sadly, despite fierce public outcry and hopes to save its historic facade, the beloved venue was completely demolished in October 1983 to make way for the Wintergarden retail development.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -