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Overview

Synopsis

The merchant, Mr. Sterling is determined to gain entrance to the aristocracy by marrying his elder daughter Elizabeth to Sir John Melvil, the nephew of Lord Ogleby. When Melvil and Ogleby visit Sterling’s estate to settle the contract, it becomes clear that Melvil has no attachment to Elizabeth. Instead, he unexpectedly shifts his affection to Sterling’s younger daughter, Fanny. Enraged at the turn of events, Elizabeth lambasts her sister and persuades their rich aunt to threaten their father with disinheritance unless the original marriage contract is fulfilled. However, everyone is completely unaware that Fanny has been secretly married to Lovewell, Sterling’s clerk and a distant relative of Lord Ogleby, for four months. They have been reluctant to reveal the truth about their marriage as they know Fanny’s father will disapprove. In an effort to straighten things out, Fanny appeals to Lord Ogleby for assistance, but Ogleby mistakes her intentions, vainly believing that he is the object of Fanny’s passion. A sudden, shock revelation of Fanny and Lovewell’s marriage resolves the confusion, with the help of the benevolent Lord Ogleby.

Show Information

Book
David Garrick , George Colman the Elder
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
5
First Produced
1766
Genres
Comedy
Settings
Multiple Settings
Time & Place
England, eighteenth century
Cast Size
large
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
Large Cast, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Mature Adult, Elderly, Adult, Young Adult Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Mr. Sterling

Lead

Female

Spoken

Mr. Lovewell

Lead

Male

Spoken

Fanny Sterling

Lead

Female

Spoken

Lord Ogleby

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Sir John Melvil

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Mr. Canton

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Brush

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Mr. Serjeant Flower

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Mrs. Heidelberg

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Elizabeth Sterling

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Betty

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Traverse

Featured

Male

Spoken

Trueman

Featured

Male

Spoken

Chambermaid

Featured

Female

Spoken

Trusty

Featured

Female

Spoken

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

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Videos

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Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher