It was adapted from a commedia dell'arte play - I due gemelli veneziani by Carlo Goldoni - and the lyrics were written by Nick Enright; the music was composed and arranged by Terence Clarke.

It starred Drew Forsythe as the twins, coloratura soprano Jennifer McGregor (for both of whom their rôles were specifically written).

[4][5][6] The 1990 Brisbane production by the Royal Queensland Theatre Company - directed by Bell, designed by Curtis, and starring Forsythe, all for the third time - also played seasons in Sydney and Melbourne.

For the 1997 Melbourne season, Paul Blackwell was nominated for a Green Room Award for Male Artist in a Leading Role in music theatre.

The five-player instrumentation is: flute doubling guitar; clarinet; trombone; percussion, including tubular bells; and piano.