Vacancy in Vaughan Street
| Industry | Broadcasting, Television production |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Brisbane , Australia |
| Products | Television plays, TV films |
Vacancy in Vaughn Street is a 1963 Australian television short film recognized as the inaugural TV play produced in Brisbane. It was broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Commission and subsequently followed by the same team's production of Dark Brown (1963).
Plot
Ernie Pettifer, a carpenter, checks into a boarding house managed by Mr. and Mrs. Jessup. During his stay, he develops an attraction to Florence Medway, a disciplined teacher who boards there, while another tenant, Violet, expresses interest in him.
Cast
- Donald McTaggart portraying Ernie Pettifer
- Gwen Wheeler as Mrs Jessup
- Toby Harris playing Arthur Jessup
- Judith Stephenson in the role of Florence Medway
- Betty Ross as Violet Anderson
Production
The production took place at ABQ studios located in Toowong, Brisbane. The set, created by Bernard Hides and Bill Collyer, required three weeks for construction and temporarily converted the ABC news reading space for filming purposes. Producer Bob Cubbage characterized the play as a straightforward project aimed at nurturing local talent and enhancing production capabilities. In his capacity as ABC Supervisor of Drama and Features for Queensland, Cubbage sought to launch a series of locally produced television works in Brisbane.
The script was authored by Sydney-based writer John Crane. Rehearsals were initially directed by Cubbage before Wilf Buckler assumed directorial responsibilities. The lead actor, Don McTaggart, was mainly known for radio performances with some theatrical background; meanwhile, Judith Stephenson and Betty Ross were prominent figures in Brisbane’s theatre scene.
Reception
The Sydney Morning Herald referred to the production as "pleasantly amusing at best" but also noted several inconsistencies and moments lacking strength.
In contrast, TV Week lauded it as "a commendable effort and a success for everyone involved," particularly praising McTaggart's leading role alongside a competent supporting ensemble. The review highlighted the scarcity of such high-quality local productions and recognized its appeal beyond Queensland, indicating promising prospects for the Brisbane-based creative team.
Other television works produced in Brisbane included Dark Brown, The Monkey Cage, The Quiet Season, and Ring Out Wild Bells. Significant productions from 1965 featured The Absence of Mr Sugden, starring Edward Howell and Don McTaggert, as well as Arabesque for Atoms, with Phillip Colledge. Additionally, the 1961 airing of A Sleep of Prisoners formed part of this regional output.
See also
- Roundabout – Melbourne’s first television drama short
- The Twelve Pound Look – Sydney’s inaugural television drama short
- The Rose and Crown – Perth’s earliest television drama short
References