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Overview
Synopsis
With biting dialogue and piercing wit, On Approval follows the misadventures of two people and their respective objects of affection. The young heiress Helen is in love with the arrogant Duke George, whose friend Richard has been in love with the fussy widow Maria for 20 years. Ever clinical when it comes to matters of love, Maria agrees to spend a few months on her Scottish island with Richard to test their compatibility. The womanizing George decides to follow with Helen. In the crucible of faux marriage, things take a turn when Richard and Helen both discover new sides to their prospective lovers. With four richly-crafted characters, On Approval is an appealing ensemble drawing room comedy with themes that still ring true decades after its publication.
Show Information
- Book
- Frederick Lonsdale
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 1926
- Genres
- Comedy
- Settings
- Period, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- A house on a Scottish island., 1920s
- Cast Size
- small
- Orchestra Size
- None
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
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
A play set in a domestic space, often used for social commentary, manners, and restrained emotional tension.
A nobleman character used in historical or Shakespearean drama to represent power, lineage, or court politics.
A trial basis for roles, costumes, or performances, referencing backstage theatre processes and decision-making.
A person who exploits situations for financial gain, often criticized in wartime or political theatre.
A standardized British accent often taught in actor training for clarity, neutrality, and upper-class character types.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright