Masks and Faces; or, Before and Behind the Curtain: A Comedy in Two Acts

In the bustling Green Room of Covent Garden’s Theatre Royal, a spirited troupe of actors, critics, and admirers gathers around a crackling fire. Their rapid, razor‑sharp exchanges—full of wordplay, flirtation and sly jabs—set the stage for a lively satire on theatrical life. As Mrs. Clive, Mr. Quin, and the notoriously acerbic critics Snarl and Soaper spar over dinner plans, the audience catches a glimpse of the egos and insecurities that drive every performer.

The first act unfurls a tangled web of admiration, rivalry and absurd proposals surrounding the famed actress Mrs. Woffington. Sir Charles Pomander and Mr. Vane wrestle over poetic praise and extravagant gifts, while a mysterious Triplet lurks with secret ambitions. With quick‑moving dialogue and a chorus of exaggerated personalities, the comedy promises a witty exploration of what lies behind the masks we wear on—and off—the stage.