Powerhouse Materials: Paper is the new exhibition now open at Powerhouse Castle Hill, curated by renowned children’s author Andy Griffiths. Among its many fascinating objects, one instantly captures attention: Object No. 2015/34/1, the Ventriloquist’s doll ‘Nellie’.
Nellie is a charming papier-mâché doll made and performed by Australian ventriloquist Royston MacGregor. She featured in his popular triple-voiced act alongside the boy doll Skeeter and Royston himself. Royston grew up in Mortdale, attending Mortdale Public School and Hurstville Technical School, and was already practising mimicry and voice-throwing as a child. A meeting with travelling ventriloquist Charles L. Sloggart in 1920 convinced him to pursue the craft, and his father’s gift of a ventriloquist’s doll that Christmas set his future in motion.
Royston performed his first paid show in 1922 and continued building his skills throughout the Depression, running one-man shows, busking on the country circuit and presenting Punch and Judy performances. His big break came in 1939 when he won a 2KY talent quest, leading to radio work, touring in New Zealand and a growing national profile.
Across five decades he performed in tent shows, vaudeville theatres and clubs, and entertained troops while serving with the RAAF during World War II. His quick wit, mimicry and spirited ad-libbing made his characters long-time audience favourites.
Used between the 1940s and 1960s, Nellie—light, expressive and crafted from paper—now sits proudly in the exhibition, a delightful reminder of Australia’s variety-show heritage and the performer who brought her to life.
Blogpost by Karen Griffiths, Volunteers Program Officer