Overview
Synopsis
A classic comedy of manners play, William Somerset’s The Constant Wife turns marital infidelity on its head with clever wit and a charming lead. The action of the play centers around Constance Middleton, the wife of wealthy doctor John Middleton, and John’s affair with Constance’s closest friend, Marie-Louise. Constance’s sister is dead-set on revealing the affair against the strong wishes of their traditional mother. But as it turns out Constance is a lot more keen than anyone gave her credit for and proceeds to easefully manipulate a situation she has more control over than anyone. Driven by a strong comedic female role, The Constant Wife is constantly amusing.
Show Information
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 3
- First Produced
- 1926
- Genres
- Comedy
- Settings
- Period, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- A house on Harley Street in London.
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- None
- Dancing
- None
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Adult, Elderly, Mature Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
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
A satirical form of comedy that critiques the manners and affectations of a social class, often with witty dialogue.
A betrayal of romantic commitment, often a catalyst for emotional turmoil and dramatic conflict.
A new production of a previously performed play or musical, often reinterpreting its themes or updating its design.
A performer with a very brief, usually non-speaking role, used to populate the world of the play realistically.
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