Jane Annie is a comic opera co-written by Arthur Conan Doyle and J. M. Barrie (creator of Peter Pan), a farcical foray into musical theatre. The story unfolds in a girls' boarding school where the title character, Jane Annie, is determined to win the 'good conduct prize' by any means - including mischievous hypnosis of her classmates and teachers. Hijinks ensue as studious Jane's spell causes strict governesses to behave absurdly and young ladies to reveal secrets. Doyle and Barrie's wit shines in the playful dialogue and parodies of school morals. Though not a great success on stage, Jane Annie stands as an intriguing curio in Doyle's oeuvre, showcasing his humorous side and willingness to experiment outside of prose. The operetta's plot is light and satirical, sending up Victorian educational norms and the notion of too good behavior, all culminating in a cheeky, whimsical finale.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a Scottish author, physician, and spiritualist best known for creating the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. Born in Edinburgh, he studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, where his storytelling talent began to emerge alongside his scientific education. Though initially practicing as a doctor, Doyle turned to writing to support himself, eventually achieving worldwide fame with the publication of A Study in Scarlet in 1887. Beyond detective fiction, he explored historical novels, science fiction, and supernatural themes, notably in the Professor Challenger series. A passionate advocate for justice, he was involved in several real-life legal investigations. In his later years, Doyle became deeply involved in spiritualism, dedicating much of his time and writings to life after death. His legacy endures as one of the most influential figures in literary history. |
