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
Characters
Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Spreading the News.
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Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Occurs when the audience knows more than the characters on stage, creating tension, humor, or poignancy.
A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.
Traditional music that tells stories of everyday life and struggles, frequently featured in historical and cultural dramas.
An Irish phrase meaning 'forever,' often used in poetic or nostalgic contexts within theatre.
Idle talk that fuels character dynamics and conflict, particularly in comedies and societal plays.
An Irish exclamation of sorrow or grief, used in regional plays to reflect cultural identity and emotion.
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.
Recognizable character types used across theatrical traditions, such as the fool, villain, or ingenue.
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright