THERE are many stories about the origin of Banjo Paterson's poem Waltzing Matilda and Theatre Redlands will present another whimsical theory.
The Redland Museum will stage a Queensland Day Play, Down Came a Jumbuck.
Created by local playwright Ian Austin, Jumbuck is a funny, clever piece of theatre that takes a satirical look at what happens when a mixture of business, patriotic fervour and creativity are brought to a rolling boil.
Down Came a Jumbuck will be on between June 5 and June 13, with evening and matinee shows available. Tickets cost $37 and includes a two-course meal.
The cast of three, directed by Jan Nary, features Ray Noonan and Debbie Spearritt (Women of Their Word; The One Day of the Year) and welcomes newcomer to the stage Patrick Eveans as Banjo Paterson - or should that be Spanish Guitar Paterson?
In the second half of the show the audience will be invited into the museum's Pub Redlands to join a group of retired drovers and their mates, reminiscing about The Droving Days, horses they've known and ridden and tall tales of unlikely characters, all woven through and around with Banjo Paterson's timeless ballads.
Director, actor and balladeer Chad Sherrin will present some of the theories that abound about Paterson's poem-turned-song Waltzing Matilda and disclose the origins of the most likely story.
And - with audience assistance - the hottest argument of all will be confronted; which is the authentic tune for Waltzing Matilda?
Australian history, humour and yarning at its best, easy to take in and good to remember, Down Came a Jumbuck promises to launch Redland Museum's new annual date-claimer with a bang - and a baa.
Bookings are essential at trybooking.com/BQOEC or inquiries at bookings@redlandmuseum.org.au 3286 3494.