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Overview
Synopsis
One of the eighteenth-century’s most enduring comedies, She Stoops to Conquer takes a comedic, often farcical, look at the behavior and marital expectations of the upper classes in England at this time. The play centers around the desire of Hardcastle, a wealthy landowner in the country, for his daughter Kate to marry the well-educated Charles Marlow. Together with Marlow’s father, Sir Charles, they arrange for the younger Marlow to visit the Hardcastle’s house and court Kate. However Kate is less than impressed when she finds out that Charles is extremely shy and reserved around ladies, despite his otherwise strong and respectable character. She therefore vows to herself that she could never marry him. Before Charles and his friend, George Hastings, can arrive at the house, they are waylaid by Mr. Hardcastle’s stepson at the local alehouse. A mischievous joker, Tony Lumpkin persuades them that the Hardcastle’s house is, in fact, the local inn. Thus, when Marlow and Hastings arrive, Marlow treats the Hardcastle family with impudence and disrespect, falsely believing them to be servants there. In order to get to the bottom of his true character, Kate disguises herself as a maid and comedy ensues as Marlow makes love to the “maid” and disregards her father.
Meanwhile, George Hastings is thrilled to find his true love, Constance Neville, living at the Hardcastle’s house. Through the scheming of Mrs. Hardcastle, she is due to marry Tony, even though they can't stand each other. Realizing that this is his opportunity to get out of the marriage, Tony helps Constance to retrieve her inheritance and gets his mother out of the way by dumping her in a local horsepond! Finally, as Marlow’s father arrives, all is put right and Charles Marlow is mortified by his behavior. Forgiven by all, the two couples find happiness with each other, and Tony successfully gains his rightful inheritance without an unwanted engagement.
Show Information
Context
The original production of She Stoops to Comquer premiered at London’s Theatre Royal Covent Garden in March 1773. The scandalous actress Mary Bulkley (known for her extra-marital affairs) starred as Miss Hardcastle. According to contemporary reports, the play was received with "great applause" as it was the "only new comedy that had appeared in (the) theatre for some years". The play was an immediate hit and productions were subsequently staged across Britain for many years afterwards.
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to read the context for She Stoops to Conquer and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
The play opens at the country home of the Hardcastles. Mrs. Hardcastle is moaning that she and her husband never leave the countryside to go to the bright, new lights of the city, but Hardcastle merely notes that he prefers everything old, including his wife. In response, Mrs. Hardcastle argues that she was a young woman when she had her son, Tony, with her first husband and he is only turning 21. Hardcastle proceeds to complain about Tony’s immaturity and love of pranks, just as
to read the plot for She Stoops to Conquer and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
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Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
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Ensemble |
Either Gender |
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.
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Key Terms
Humorously indecent or risque, often found in Shakespearean and Restoration comedy.
A character who enjoys the pleasures of life, particularly food and social activity, often portrayed as charming and sociable.
A Comedy of Manners is a dramatic genre that satirizes the customs, behaviors, and social norms of a particular class or group, often through witty dialogue and clever banter. It typically focuses on relationships, courtship, and social pretensions, exposing human vanity and hypocrisy. This style thrives on sharp humor and quick repartee, making it both entertaining and socially revealing.
To run away secretly to get married; often a plot device in Romantic and English Renaissance plays.
A common plot device in which one character is confused for another, often leading to comedic or dramatic consequences. This trope is widely used in English Renaissance and Commedia dell’arte theatre.
Parody is a comedic imitation of a style, genre, or work that exaggerates its features for humorous or satirical effect. In theatre, it playfully mocks conventions, characters, or cultural icons while still relying on audience recognition of the original. Parody can both celebrate and critique its subject, often blurring the line between homage and ridicule.
Works not protected by copyright and available for free use or adaptation. Many classical plays, including Shakespeare's, fall into the public domain.
Satire is a dramatic style that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize human behavior, social institutions, or political systems. In theatre, it highlights flaws and hypocrisies through wit and parody, encouraging audiences to laugh while also reflecting on serious issues. Satire can range from lighthearted comedy to biting social commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Characters representing the aristocracy or wealthy elite, often portrayed with distinct costume, accent, and mannerisms.
A district or division, sometimes referring to the care or guardianship of another, used in early modern plays to suggest duty or protection.
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher