The play, heavily influenced by the stage adaptation of Robbery Under Arms - in which Rede had appeared - was very popular and much imitated by the authors of other plays about Ned Kelly.

[1][2][3][4] It is not to be confused with The Kelly Gang by Arnold Denham.

[7] The play debuted in rural regions in 1896 then transferred to Melbourne two years later.

This encouraged numerous imitations, many of which borrowed from Rede's play and Robbery Under Arms.

[1] The Bulletin said "The sentiments are neatly ladled out to suit all tastes.