Described in advertising as a 'burlesque pantomime' with songs to operatic and other music, the pantomime's satire is largely aimed at topical issues, personalities, events, and the Sydney social and local theatre scenes.
The story concerns Howlingcad, the Prince of Snobland, who wishes to make Silverhair his wife. To this end, he enlists the aid of the demon king Aluminium and his lieutenant Smoothcoins. They are opposed by the Fairy Pulcherina, who instead orchestrates a meeting between Silverhair and Prince Gorjuswell (who naturally fall in love). Undeterred, the villains kidnap Silverhair and attempt to force her into marrying Howlingcad. Although she manages to escape, she ends up at the house of the Three Bears. When the bears discover she has eaten their porridge, they decide to eat her. However, Silverhair is saved by Prince Gorjuswell, and the villains are eventually vanquished.
The scenic settings were:
Scene 1. The Cavern of Aluminium.
Scene 2. The Fairy Home of Pulcherrima.
Scene 3. Howlingcad's Castle.
Scene 4. Exterior of the Bears' Home.
Scene 5. Enchanted Wood.
Scene 6. Interior of the Bears' House.
1870: Royal Victoria, Sydney, 24 December 1870 - 21 January 1871.
This entry has been sourced from research undertaken by Dr Clay Djubal into Australian-written popular music theatre (ca. 1850-1930). See also the Australian Variety Theatre Archive
Details have also been derived in part from the Annotated Calendar of Plays Premiered in Australia: 1870-1890.