Overview
Synopsis
Frances Burney’s 1779 play The Witlings is a classic comedy of manners coupled with a satiric take on London literary society. Wealthy Lady Smatter is the president of the Esprit Party, a small and select group of literary aficionados, dedicated to the study and spirit of poetry. She and friend Mrs. Sapient spend most of their time fawning over the verse of Mr. Dabler--even though his poetry is absolutely terrible, “the most fantastic absurdity under heaven.” Lady Smatter is also in charge of a wealthy orphan, Cecilia Stanley, whose fortune is secured within a London bank. And she controls the inheritance of her nephew, Beaufort, who is engaged to marry Cecilia. The match is all set, the workers in Mrs. Wheedle’s milliner shop are almost finished with the bridal caps … until Cecilia is suddenly broke. To maintain decorum and society, Lady Smatter forbids the marriage between her nephew and a penniless young woman, leading to hysterics and hijinks. But all is resolved by Beaufort’s sensible friend Censor, who steps in to save the day.
A colorful collection of characters rounds out Lady Smatter’s world: Mrs. Voluble, the talkative and gossipy landlady; Mr. Codger, the doddering country gent; Bob, Mrs. Voluble’s clumsy son; and Jack, Beaufort’s step-brother who is perpetually on the move throughout London to deliver messages and have a pint. Worried about its reception in 1779--especially its perceived criticisms of London literary groups--Burney never saw the play performed in her lifetime; in fact, the first recorded performance happened in 1998. The Witlings is a witty look at London society and the manners of the time, from poetry to fortunes, and still holds its humor centuries later.
Show Information
- Book
- Frances Burney
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 5
- First Produced
- 1779
- Genres
- Comedy
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- London, 1780s
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- None
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Late Teen, Elderly, Mature Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
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|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
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
An apprentice is someone who learns a craft or trade through hands-on experience, typically under the guidance of a skilled professional. In theatre, apprenticeships often involve training in technical, performance, or administrative roles.
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 flamboyantly dressed male character obsessed with fashion and refinement, often used for satire in English Renaissance drama.
A comedic character type, especially in English Renaissance plays, characterized by excessive concern with fashion and manners.
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.
Videos
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Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress