Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
In The Second Mrs. Tanqueray by Sir Arthur Wing Pinero, Aubrey Tanqueray shocks society when he marries Paula, a woman with a scandalous reputation. The newlyweds are determined to escape their past and start afresh, moving away from the disapproving eyes of London to their home in the countryside with only Aubrey’s daughter from his first marriage, Ellean. Paula is determined to win over her impeccably prim stepdaughter, and prove to herself -- and the world -- that she can be a good wife and mother. But when a figure from Paula’s past appears in the most shocking of ways, both Paula and Aubrey must ask themselves if they can ever truly outrun the whisperings of the cruel outside world. The Second Mrs. Tanqueray was a sensational hit when it premiered in 1893, and its themes -- especially the hypocritical standards held against women -- continue to resonate with astonishing impact today.
Show Information
- Book
- Arthur Wing Pinero
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 4
- First Produced
- 1893
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- The Tanquerays homes in London and Surrey, 1890s
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Sorry! We do not currently have terms for this guide.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
