Wives as they Were, and Maids as they Are
directed by Colin Blumenau
designed by Kit Surrey
"Hugely enjoyable…beautifully designed…deliciously acted." The Guardian
A company of ten (impeccably well cast) bring style, dash, vigour and some great belly laughs to this 18th century battle of the sexes…the five acts seem to pass in a moment." The Stage
Left by her absent father in the care of his straight-laced friend, Maria Dorrillon’s appetite for new clothes, entertainment and gambling leads her into trouble. And as an eligible match, she attracts the attention of some unsuitable bachelors. But life is no better among the married couples, as Lord Priory makes the mistake of thinking his wife is under his control, and finds to his dismay that her ideas are rather different.
Misunderstandings, disguises, true love and last-minute rescues follow as Maria’s plight gets increasingly awkward, and only her own wit and intelligence can save her. Should she be a dutiful wife – as they were in former times – or a modern maid – as they are?
First performed to great success in 1797, Wives as they Were, and Maids as they Are is a delightful comedy which pokes gleeful fun at the illusions of both men and women. Elizabeth Inchbald, sometimes called “the Jane Austen of the stage”, keeps the action moving swiftly and devises some brilliant comic situations.
