[6] The writers borrowed some money, and self-produced the musical in an amateur production at Canberra's Albert Hall in March 1961.

The original six-week season at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre (from 4 November 1961), directed by John Young, was later extended to five months.

[8] The Bloke, Doreen and Rose of Spadger's Lane were played by Edwin Ride (from the amateur Canberra production), Patsy Hemingway and Gloria Dawn respectively.

The Australian Broadcasting Commission made a studio cast recording in 1967 featuring Neil Williams, Janet Crawford, Jimmy Hannan and Jill Perryman.

The television adaptation was written and directed by Alan Burke and featured Graeme Blundell as Bill and Geraldine Turner as Doreen.

"Dennis certainly drew a picture of the life of the poor but he was interested in the warmth, the humour - there's no real social statement," said Burke.

It was premiered by the Melbourne Theatre Company at the Playhouse, Victorian Arts Centre on 12 December 1985, with John Jarrett in the starring role.