Modern Darwin appears to be losing the urge to don fancy dress , going on the stock of a former costume hire business now floating about city op shops . Military uniforms and a beaut red devil outfit with a pointy tail have been sighted. Sitting here in front of the computer dressed as the devil knocking out blog items appeals to the perverse nature of this evil hack. Seeing Old Nick on skype would sure as hell cause consternation and panic- like that generated by Orson Welles when he broadcasted the bogus radio report about the invasion of Earth by killer aliens from outer space- and lead to a religious revival throughout this increasingly superstitious , gullible and sinful land .
While doing wide ranging research , several acounts of Darwin fancy dress balls going way back have been found. Recently a southern newspaper cutting circa 1928 surfaced with details of a Darwin nursery rhyme and fairytale ball where the residents whooped it up dressed as Beauty and the Beast, Miss Muffet, Little Boy Blue and characters dear to the heart of childhood . The gathering danced and frolicked gaily through the night.
Of course, our modern day thespians, of which there are legions, appear to be eagerly getting their gear on and off , but you expect that kind of behaviour in theatrical circles. The average person, however, seems reluctant to hire a costume and parade about Mitchell Street on a Saturday night dressed like Miss Muffet or Little Boy Blue .
