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

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

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Beaufort

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Censor

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Lady Smatter

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Cecilia Stanley

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Mr. Dabler

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Jack

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Mr. Codger

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Bob

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Mrs. Sapient

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Mrs. Voluble

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Mrs. Wheedle

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Miss Jenny

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Betty

Featured

Female

Non-singer

People of London

Featured

Either Gender

Non-singer

Songs

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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

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

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 satirical form of comedy that critiques the manners and affectations of a social class, often with witty dialogue.

    A flamboyantly dressed male character obsessed with fashion and refinement, often used for satire in English Renaissance drama.

    Fop

    A comedic character type, especially in English Renaissance plays, characterized by excessive concern with fashion and manners.

    A genre or technique that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize human folly or societal flaws. Satire is common in political and literary theatre.

Videos

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Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress