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Overview
Synopsis
The Relapse was written in 1696 by John Vanbrugh as a sequel to Colley Cibber’s comedy Love’s Last Shift (1696). Amanda, Loveless, and Lord Foppington (known as Sir Novelty Fashion in Love’s Last Shift) are the only characters to feature in both plays.
The Relapse contains two parallel love triangles that cross paths throughout the play. The first centers on Loveless and his wife Amanda, who have been living quietly in the countryside. However, Loveless has a womanizing past and he soon returns to his wicked ways when the couple return to London. He falls for the beauty of Amanda’s cousin, Berinthia, and pursues her relentlessly behind his wife’s back. Meanwhile, Berinthia’s former lover, Worthy, lusts after Amanda and makes it his mission to break down her virtue and chaste devotion to her husband. In the end, he is unsuccessful and Amanda remains steadfastly loyal to Loveless, despite his infidelities.
Across town, Lord Foppington is in pursuit of a wealthy wife. He has engaged the matchmaker, Coupler, to arrange his engagement to the heiress, Miss Hoyden. However, his younger brother, Young Fashion, has recently returned to the country after three years abroad and he needs Lord Foppington to renew his annuity. When Lord Foppington refuses, Young Fashion is encouraged to get his revenge, masquerade as his brother, and, in this disguise, marry Miss Hoyden in secret. When the real Lord Foppington arrives, Young Fashion’s deception is revealed….but it is too late. Young Fashion and Miss Hoyden are married and Lord Foppington is forced to admit defeat.
Show Information
- Book
- John Vanbrugh
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 5
- First Produced
- 1696
- Genres
- Comedy
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- England, Late Seventeenth Century
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Elderly Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
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
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Videos
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Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher