Set in Bendigo during the Gold Rush in the 1860s, the story concerns the love of an innkeeper's daughter for a highwayman.
[4][5] The book and lyrics were rewritten in England by Guy Bolton and Clifford Gret.
[11][12] "Its Australian theme was unrecognisable by the time producers had finished with it," said Samuels.
The Sydney Morning Herald said "in many ways the show is imitative and (a lesser fault) old-fashioned in style.
It lacks the bold strokes of original invention and new discovery that distinguish great showmanship from ephemeral competence in show making.
[25] Reviewing the latter, the Daily Telegraph said "when Mr. S. uses words, either in dialogue or lyrics, I find the result extremel.