The Dark Lady of Sonnets

Play

Writers: George Bernard Shaw

Overview

Show Information

Text And Format
Category
Play
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1910
Genres
Comedy
Settings
Period, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
late 1500s-early 1600, the palace at whitehall, england
Cast Size
small
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal for
community theatre, regional theatre, fringe festival, College/University, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Female, Star Vehicle Male
Casting Notes

Includes adult, young adult characters

Synopsis

George Bernard Shaw’s The Dark Lady of the Sonnets is a fun, one act play that reimagines William Shakespeare’s and Queen Elizabeth’s first meeting. Written as an appeal to create a National Theatre in England, the short play has William going to Whitehall palace to meet the Dark Lady to whom he addresses his sonnets of love, only to fall for the Queen herself as they randomly meet! As Will juggles both women’s tempers and desires, he finds himself inspired to write new material and appeal for a theatre where bold tragedies will be taken seriously.

Lead Characters


The Dark Lady of Sonnets guide sections