Jane Annie

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.