Overview
Synopsis
Absurd misunderstandings take center stage in this short comedy written by Irish playwright Lady Gregory. Performed for the opening night of the Abbey Theatre, which Gregory helped found, Spreading the News finds the gossipy residents of a small Irish village getting consumed by a simple misunderstanding that snowballs with lightning speed and ends with accusations of infidelity and murder. The play was one of Lady Gregory’s most popular, and was regularly performed at the Abbey Theatre throughout the early 1900s. Unlike Gregory’s other work, the play remained popular after her death, and is still performed routinely throughout the world. Relying on recognizable stock characters and dramatic irony, Spreading the News is a rapid-fire farce about the perils of gossip.
Show Information
- Book
- Lady Augusta Gregory
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 1904
- Genres
- Comedy, Satire
- Settings
- Period, Simple/No Set
- Time & Place
- An apple stand at the outskirts of a fair in a rural Irish village.
- Cast Size
- small
- Orchestra Size
- None
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, High School, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult Characters, Small Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
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
Occurs when the audience has information that the characters do not.
A group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together.
Genre of music inspired by oral traditions and often without a specific composer, sharing stories of national or cultural identity. Folk music is regional and found worldwide.
An Irish term meaning "forever".
Information about other people that is typically not confirmed as being entirely true or accurate.
An Irish term used to express regret or grief.
A form of comedy that presents ridiculous extremes in order to make a point about society or human nature.
The same stereotypical characters that usually appeared in every play.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright