Cirrus@Austlit

With its story focusing on the friction between various minerals and coins, Harlequin £.s.d. presented a whole series of metaphors based on different kinds of currency, along with numerous hits at political and social issues and personalities. The plot revolves around the revolt by the Realm of Copper after it is supplanted by the Realm of Gold, and concludes with the Golden Palace of Auriferosa sentencing all parties to Victoria. The topical allusions were made in reference to the Governor, the Mayor, Mr Grimes (town clerk), and several other prominent public figures, while the local settings included the Treasury in William Street, the interior and exterior of the Exhibition Building, Cobb's Coach Office, and Bourke Street.

The medley, overture, and music of the pantomime, selected and arranged by Frederick Coppin, included 'The Mistletoe Bough' ('with the usual time-honoured accompaniment'), 'The Chimes' ('a seasonal sound'), 'The Roast Beef of Old England' ('which all acknowledge seasonable'), 'The Roger de Coverly ('who has not danced it'), 'Yankee Doodle', 'The Marseillaise', and 'Rule Britannia' ('a formidable trio of nationalities'), winding up with the 'Hurry-Scurry' (Age 27 Dec. 1892, p.8).

The pantomime ended with the traditional harlequinade, involving Harlequin, Columbine, Clown, and Pantaloon.