PRINCESS’S THEATRE.

Evening Star, Issue 6759, 26 November 1884, Page 4

PRINCESS’S THEATRE.

Last evening the comedy of “The Queen’s Favorite ” was repeated for the last time by Miss Genevieve Ward and company. There vas a good attendance, considering the inclemency of the weather, and the performance passed off in a highly satisfactory manner.

The first representation in this Colony of “Mammon” is announced for tonight. This comedy-drama is one that affords great scope for the ability that Mr Vernon possesses in such a high degree—the ability to pourtray the inward workings of the mind in men whose exterior, as presented to society, is a living lie. The plot of -‘Mammon,” if plot it can be called, is of .he slightest description. Sir Geoffrey Harriott is a speculator who has won success oy a system of deception known to every commercial man deception that causes shares to rise or fall according to the dictates of the speculating capitalist’s interest. By balling and beating the market, Sir Geoffrey having made money, becomes mayor of a large town, just before that town is visited by royalty, and thus he ittains the titled dignity, of knighthood. He is ambitious, and puts up for Parliament, and it fortunately happens that a friend of his younger days, who is now editor of a provincial paper, has become involved in duaueial difficulties, and seeks bis assistance. By a judicious bribe, under the cover of a loan, the editor, overwhelmed by his generosity, eccords him his support in the election contest. The sou of another old friend on whom Herriott had brought ruin through speculation, and who bad committed suicide, offers his services as election agent, and all goes swimmingly. Sir Geoffrey has managed to get his cast-off mistress married to a millionaire brewer, and the price of this matrimonial agency, and the present of a diamond necklace, is that the brewer is to be induced to purchase for LIOO,OOO a diamond mine which Herriott has been offered for LSOO. To work ont this scheme the brewer and his wife are- invited to the knight’s villa. At this juncture Sir Geoffrey is at his zenith, but 11 it is only the unforeseen that happens,” and the man who is rich one week is a beggar the next. Lady Herriott refuses to have her daughter contaminated by the presence of the odious voman who has been invited, and a separation ensues. The daughter departs with the mother; shares in several ventures and fall with rapidity ; it had previously become neccß mry to mortgage the mansion; a hitch occurs in the bargain for the diamond mine; the electors have found out Sir Geoffrey’s real character; the mortgagee (who is discovered to be the speculator’s secretary, who has been possessing himself of bis master's secrets ind turning them to his own advantage) forecloses ; and Sir Geoffrey, ruined and estranged from his wife and daughter, finds limaelf compelled to face the world again a penniless, bankrupt man, Thenjconjugal love triumphs, and the wife’s affection purlies the heart of the speculator, who has risked his all for wealth.

On Friday night the Governor has inti mated his intention of witnessing “Forget-Me-Not,” which will be played for the last time. In consequence, Mr Vernon’s benefit has been postponed till Saturday. On Tuesday Miss Ward will take a benefit, and will put forward a bill that should attract a bmper hoflse.