The Jealous Wife

Play

Writers: George Colman the Elder

Overview

Show Information

Category
Play
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1761
Genres
Comedy
Settings
Period, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
The Oakley household and the Freelove household, England, 1700s
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes mature adult, adult, young adult, elderly characters

Synopsis

When the jealous Mrs. Oakley intercepts a letter addressed to her husband, Mr. Oakley, she assumes he is having an affair. In reality, the letter is from Henry Russet, a concerned father, accusing Mr. Oakley’s nephew, Charles Oakley, of having eloped with Russet’s daughter, Harriet. Charles insists that he has not eloped with Harriet and that she has taken refuge at her aunt, Lady Freelove’s house to avoid her impending arranged marriage to Sir Henry Beagle. However, with Mrs. Oakley still convinced her husband is having an affair, accusations quickly spiral out of control. The Jealous Wife is a restoration comedy by George Colman the Elder that is full of quick-witted jokes and lots of colorful characters.

This guide reflects the three-act edition of The Jealous Wife by Geroge Colman, the Elder.

Lead Characters


The Jealous Wife guide sections