Overview
Synopsis
At once a satire of Americans and the English, W. Somerset Maugham’s Our Betters is a witty period piece with rich comedic female roles. Pearl has come to England from America to marry a lord and join the upper ranks of London society. Her younger sister, Bessie, an innocent heiress, has come to London to spend time with her, but Pearl is more interested in seeing that Bessie is married off to the bland Lord Bleane. The arrival of Bessie’s old fiance, Fleming, makes things even more complicated. Rounding out the cast is a colorful group of Americans, all desperately clinging to their artificial identities as elite members of London’s upper class: the snobbish Thornton Clay, the womanizing Tony Paxton, and the clownishly opulent Minnie. Our Betters is pure comedy of manners, full of verbal barbs delivered with a smile and piercing satire of the upper class.
Show Information
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 3
- First Produced
- 1917
- Genres
- Comedy, Satire
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- Lady George Grayston’s house and her husband’s house., England.
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- None
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- Community Theatre, College/University, Ensemble Cast, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
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
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.
A period piece is a theatrical work set in a specific historical era, recreating its fashions, manners, and cultural atmosphere. Costumes, sets, and dialogue are often designed to reflect the chosen time period as accurately as possible. Period pieces allow audiences to step into another age and experience its unique style and traditions.
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.
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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