R B Sheridan (1751-1816)
Richard Brinsley Sheridan's Life, Work, and Legacy
Early Life and Family
Richard Brinsley Sheridan was born in Dublin, Ireland, on October 30, 1751. [1-3]
His mother, Frances Sheridan, was a playwright and novelist known for her novel The Memoirs of Miss Sidney Biddulph. [3]
His father, Thomas Sheridan, was an actor-manager who later focused on education and writing books about standardizing the English language. [3]
The family moved to England permanently in 1758. [3, 4]
Sheridan attended Harrow School from 1762 to 1768 and later received private tutoring in London. [4]
Education
Sheridan attended Harrow School from 1762 to 1768. [4]
After finishing at Harrow, his father hired a private tutor, Lewis Ker, to continue his education at home in London. [4]
He also received instruction from Domenico Angelo in fencing and horsemanship. [4]
Literary Career Overview
Sheridan's literary career began with the premiere of his first play, The Rivals, at London's Covent Garden Theatre in 1775. [5]
Although initially a failure, Sheridan revised the play, and it became a resounding success, establishing his reputation in London society. [5]
He followed this triumph with the opera The Duenna in collaboration with his father-in-law, composer Thomas Linley the Elder. The Duenna enjoyed a successful run of 75 performances. [6]
In 1777, Sheridan premiered what is considered his most famous play, The School for Scandal, at Drury Lane Theatre. This comedy of manners is widely regarded as one of the greatest in the English language. [6]
He continued to write and produce plays, with The Critic (1779), a satirical piece inspired by the Restoration play The Rehearsal, being his next notable work. [6]
In 1776, Sheridan purchased a share of the Drury Lane Theatre patent from David Garrick, eventually acquiring full ownership. [6] He was the manager of the theatre for many years. [6]
In 1809, a fire destroyed the Drury Lane Theatre, a significant setback in Sheridan's career. [6]
Political Career Overview
Sheridan's political career began in 1780 when he was elected to the House of Commons as a member of the Whig party, aligning himself with Charles James Fox and supporting the American Colonials. [7]
He gained recognition for his captivating and entertaining oratory skills, often injecting humor into his speeches. [8]
In 1787, Sheridan delivered a powerful speech demanding the impeachment of Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of India. This speech was widely acclaimed, even by his political rivals, as one of the greatest ever delivered in Parliament. [8]
Despite his talent for public speaking, Sheridan's political career was marked by financial instability and limited advancement. [9]
He held the positions of Receiver-General of the Duchy of Cornwall (1804-1807) and Treasurer of the Navy (1806-1807). [9]
Sheridan's close relationship with the Prince of Wales initially bolstered his political standing but waned over time. [9]
In 1812, after 32 years in Parliament, he lost his seat, leaving him vulnerable to creditors and facing significant debt. [9]
Death and Commemoration
Sheridan died in poverty on July 7, 1816, in London, England. [1, 2, 10]
Despite his financial difficulties, his funeral was attended by prominent figures, including dukes, earls, and the Lord Mayor of London. [10]
He is buried in Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey, a testament to his significant contributions to literature and theatre. [2, 10]
Thomas Moore published a two-volume biography of Sheridan in 1825, which shaped public perception of him for years to come. [10]
Sheridan is commemorated with blue plaques at 14 Savile Row in Mayfair, London, and in Stafford, England. [10]
Biography
Thomas Moore's two-volume biography, Memoirs of the Life of Richard Brinsley Sheridan, published in 1825, is a major source of information about Sheridan's life. [10]
This biography has significantly influenced how Sheridan has been perceived over the years. [10]
Sheridan's Affairs and School for Scandal Dedication
Sheridan had several affairs, most notably with Frances Crewe, Lady Crewe, to whom he dedicated his play The School for Scandal. [11]
Sheridan's Character
Sheridan was known for his wit, humor, and political acumen. [12]
He was also criticized for his duplicitousness, vindictiveness, and profligacy. [12]
Sir Gilbert Elliot, a contemporary, described Sheridan as a man who used "a great deal of art, with a great deal of pain, to gratify, not the proper passion in such affairs, but vanity; and he deals in the most intricate plotting and under plotting, like a Spanish play." [12]
Sheridan was known for his heavy drinking and gambling habits, often accumulating debts he did not repay. [13]
His behavior toward women was considered dishonorable, including instances of sexual harassment and assault. [13]
Adaptations and Cultural References
Sheridan is portrayed by Barry Stanton in the film The Madness of King George (1994). [14]
He is played by Aidan McArdle in the film The Duchess (2008), which also features a performance of The School for Scandal. [14]
Author Chris Humphreys has written a series of books featuring Jack Absolute, a character from The Rivals, as the protagonist. [14]
A neighborhood in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, is named Sheridan Homelands, originally named after a village called Sheridan in Toronto Township. [14]
Jules Verne's novel Around the World in 80 Days incorrectly states that the protagonist, Phileas Fogg, lives at 7 Savile Row, where Sheridan died. While Sheridan did live on Savile Row, it was at number 14, and he died in 1816, not 1814. [14]
List of Sheridan's Works
Plays
The Rivals (1775) [5, 15]
St Patrick's Day (1775) [14]
The Duenna (1775) [6, 15]
A Trip to Scarborough (1777) [2, 15]
The School for Scandal (1777) [2, 6, 15]
The Camp (1778) [6, 15]
The Critic (1779) [6, 15]
The Glorious First of June (1794) [15]
Pizarro (1799) [15]
Other Works
Clio's Protest (written 1771, published 1819) [14]
Sheridan also wrote poems and political speeches during his time in Parliament. [14]
Sheridan's Legacy in Theatre and Politics
Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1816) was an Anglo-Irish playwright, writer, and Whig politician. [1, 2] His impact is significant in both theatre and politics, though his theatrical achievements are arguably more enduring.
Theatrical Legacy
Sheridan is considered one of the greatest comic playwrights in the English language. His plays, particularly The Rivals (1775), The Duenna (1775), and The School for Scandal (1777), are still performed today and are staples of the Western theatrical canon. [2-4]
His works are known for their witty dialogue, satire of social conventions, and memorable characters, which continue to resonate with audiences centuries later. [3, 4]
Sheridan also owned and managed the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, a prominent London theatre where he produced his own plays and those of others. [2, 4] This position gave him significant influence in the theatrical world of his time.
Political Legacy
Sheridan was a prominent Whig politician who served in the British House of Commons for over 30 years. [2, 5]
He was a skilled orator known for his passionate speeches. His most famous speech was during the impeachment trial of Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of India, which contemporaries like Edmund Burke, Charles James Fox, and William Pitt considered one of the greatest speeches ever delivered. [6]
Despite his oratorical skills, Sheridan held only minor government posts, serving as Receiver-General of the Duchy of Cornwall (1804-1807) and Treasurer of the Navy (1806-1807). [7]
His political career was ultimately overshadowed by financial difficulties and a loss of influence in later years. [7]
Conclusion
While Sheridan achieved some success in politics, his lasting impact is primarily due to his plays, which continue to entertain and provoke thought. He is remembered as a master of comedy whose works have secured him a place in literary history.
An In-Depth Look at Richard Brinsley Sheridan's The Rivals
Date and Place Premiered: January 17, 1775, at Covent Garden Theatre in London [1].
Genre: Comedy of manners [1].
Setting: Bath, England, in the 18th century; the action unfolds within a single day [1, 2].
Adaptations
Musical (1935): Rivals!, with music by Herbert Hughes and lyrics by John Robert Monsell, premiered at the Kingsway Theatre in London and ran for 86 performances [3].
Television (1958): An episode of the Western series Maverick titled "The Rivals" adapted the play, starring James Garner and Roger Moore [4].
Radio (1962): R.D. Smith produced a radio adaptation for the BBC Third Programme, featuring a notable cast including Fay Compton as Mrs. Malaprop [5].
Television (1961): An Australian television adaptation was produced.
Television (1970): A BBC production aired as part of their Play of the Month series, with Jeremy Brett starring as Captain Jack Absolute [5].
Television (1989): Another BBC production was broadcast as part of their Theatre Night series, featuring Donald Sinden as Sir Anthony Absolute [5].
Novels (2003-2006): Chris Humphreys penned a series of historical fiction novels using Jack Absolute as the central character [6].
Stage Play (2022): Jack Absolute Flies Again, a new adaptation by Richard Bean and Oliver Chris, premiered at the National Theatre in London. This version updated the setting to 1940 during the Battle of Britain [6].
Biographical Sources
Thomas Moore: His two-volume Memoirs of the Life of Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1825) remains a significant source of information about Sheridan's life [7].
Other Sources:Richard Brinsley Sheridan, The Rivals (edited by Elizabeth Duthie, 1979) [8].
Richard Brinsley Sheridan, A Life by Linda Kelly (1997) [8].
The Traitor's Kiss: The Life of Richard Brinsley Sheridan, 1751–1816 by Fintan O'Toole (1998) [8].
Production and Reception History
Initial Failure: The play was initially poorly received at its premiere on January 17, 1775. Critics and audiences found fault with its length, some of the bawdy humor, and the weak performance of John Lee as Sir Lucius O'Trigger [9].
Sheridan's Response: Sheridan withdrew the play and spent 11 days revising it extensively, addressing the criticisms and even replacing Lee with Laurence Clinch in the role of O'Trigger [9, 10].
Triumphant Revival: The revised Rivals reopened on January 28, 1775, to critical and popular acclaim. It became a beloved production, even enjoying the patronage of the royal family with five command performances within a decade [10].
Enduring Popularity: The Rivals became a staple of theatrical repertoires throughout the 19th century in both England and the United States [10].
Legacy: The play continues to be recognized as one of Sheridan's greatest works and has contributed the word "malapropism" to the English language in honor of Mrs. Malaprop's comic misuse of words [11].
Characters
Sir Anthony Absolute: A wealthy and domineering baronet [11].
Captain Jack Absolute: Sir Anthony's son, masquerading as the impoverished Ensign Beverley to win Lydia's heart [2, 11].
Faulkland: Jack's friend, deeply in love with Julia but tormented by jealousy and insecurity [11, 12].
Bob Acres: A comical country gentleman and rival suitor for Lydia's affections [2, 11, 12].
Sir Lucius O'Trigger: A hot-headed and impoverished Irish baronet, also vying for Lydia [2, 11, 12].
Fag: Captain Absolute's sly and resourceful servant [11].
David: Bob Acres' simple and well-meaning servant [11, 12].
Lydia Languish: A wealthy young heiress, enthralled by romantic novels and determined to have a love affair worthy of them [2, 11].
Mrs. Malaprop: Lydia's guardian, known for her hilariously incorrect use of language (malapropisms) [2, 11].
Julia Melville: A relative of the Absolutes, in love with Faulkland [11, 12].
Lucy: Lydia's cunning maid, complicit in various schemes [2, 11].
Plot In-Depth
Romantic Deception: Captain Jack Absolute, disguised as Ensign Beverley, woos the romantically inclined Lydia Languish, who believes him to be a poor soldier. This deception plays into Lydia's desire for a dramatic love affair [2].
Multiple Suitors: Lydia has three suitors: Jack (as Beverley), Bob Acres, and Sir Lucius O'Trigger. The competition between them for Lydia's hand creates various comedic situations [2].
Mrs. Malaprop's Mishaps: Lydia's guardian, Mrs. Malaprop, provides consistent humor through her constant misuse of words, creating the term "malapropism" [2].
Faulkland's Jealousy: Jack's friend Faulkland, in love with Julia, is plagued by unfounded jealousy, leading to misunderstandings and arguments that satirize the dramatic conventions of the era [12].
Dueling Challenges: Bob Acres, believing "Beverley" to be a rival for Lydia, is pushed by Sir Lucius to challenge him to a duel. Jack, unaware of the reason, also accepts a duel challenge from Sir Lucius [12, 13].
Unraveling at the Dueling Ground: The various characters converge at the dueling ground, leading to a series of revelations. Jack's true identity is exposed, Lydia's love for him is affirmed, and Mrs. Malaprop's mistaken identity as "Delia" is revealed [3].
Happy Resolution: The play concludes with the reconciliation of Julia and Faulkland, Lydia accepting Jack for who he truly is, and a sense of overall forgiveness and merriment as Acres invites everyone to a celebratory party [3].
The plot of The Rivals is driven by romantic entanglements, mistaken identities, social satire, and the comedic mishaps of characters like Mrs. Malaprop and Bob Acres. The play continues to be celebrated for its witty dialogue, social commentary, and enduring characters.
St. Patrick's Day: A Farcical Celebration
St. Patrick's Day, or, The Scheming Lieutenant is an 18th-century play written by the Irish playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan [1]. The play premiered on May 2, 1775, at the Covent Garden Theatre [1]. Sheridan is said to have completed the two-act farce in just two days [1]. The play was specifically written for a benefit performance by the lead actor, Laurence Clinch, who had achieved success portraying Sir Lucius O’Trigger in Sheridan's earlier play, The Rivals [1].
The play is set in a town in rural England [2]. The plot revolves around Lieutenant O’Connor, a charming Irish soldier, who is deeply in love with Lauretta, the daughter of Justice Credulous. The Lieutenant and his troops are stationed in the same town as the Justice's family, allowing the lovers to be near each other, but Lauretta's protective and jealous father hinders their opportunities to meet [2].
Adding to the comedic chaos, O’Connor's friend, Dr. Rosy, is a man consumed by grief over the recent loss of his wife, Dolly [3]. Despite his sorrow, Dr. Rosy assists the Lieutenant in devising a plan to elope with Lauretta [3]. Their scheme involves Dr. Rosy first gaining the Justice's trust while in disguise [3].
Meanwhile, Lauretta secretly reciprocates the Lieutenant's affections and confides in her mother, Mrs. Bridget Credulous [3]. Mrs. Credulous attempts to caution her daughter about the uncertainties of marrying a soldier, but her resolve softens when Lauretta reveals that the Lieutenant admires Mrs. Credulous's kind nature and beauty [3].
To protect his daughter from the Lieutenant's advances, Justice Credulous employs a new servant [3]. However, O'Connor, disguised as a simple and bashful rustic named "Honest Humphrey Hum" with the help of Dr. Rosy, manages to gain the Justice's trust and is entrusted with Lauretta's care while she strolls in the garden [4]. The Justice catches O'Connor in the act of kissing Lauretta, discovers his true identity, and banishes him, threatening to shoot him if he returns [4].
Undeterred, O’Connor, in a desperate attempt to win Lauretta, hatches another plan. Disguising himself as a German quack doctor, he sends a message to Justice Credulous claiming the Justice has been poisoned [4]. A terrified Credulous seeks help from Dr. Rosy, who, playing along, confirms the poisoning, using fabricated symptoms to convince the Justice [4].
Dr. Rosy suggests consulting the German quack as the only hope, leading Justice Credulous to summon O'Connor in his new disguise. O'Connor offers an antidote but demands a hefty price: three thousand pounds and permission to marry Lauretta if she consents [4]. Believing Lauretta would never agree, Credulous accepts, only to realize too late that he has been outsmarted [4].
The play culminates in a happy ending. Justice Credulous begrudgingly gives his blessing to the marriage, acknowledging O’Connor's audacity [4]. He even quips that this incident will provide him and his wife with ample material for future arguments [4].
The sources provide a detailed plot summary and character descriptions, but they do not offer in-depth analysis of the play's themes, historical context, or critical reception.
The Duenna: A Comic Opera Triumph
The Duenna stands out as a significant work in the career of playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan. While his previous play, The Rivals, had achieved success after some initial revisions, The Duenna was a triumph from its opening night.
Date and Place Premiered: November 21, 1775, at Covent Garden Theatre in London. [1, 2]
Genre: Comic Opera [1]
Setting: Seville, Spain [3]
A Collaborative Creation
Sheridan did not create The Duenna single-handedly. Following his marriage to Elizabeth Linley, he recognized the rising popularity of operas and sought to capitalize on this trend. He cleverly enlisted the musical expertise of his father-in-law, the renowned composer Thomas Linley the Elder. [4, 5]
However, their collaboration was not without its complexities. Sheridan initially withheld the full nature of the opera from Linley, gradually providing him with lyrics and melodies. Some of the music was adapted from existing Italian operas and traditional Scottish tunes. Linley, while contributing his talent, expressed his disapproval of incorporating pre-existing material. He believed that composing original music specifically for the opera would have yielded a better result. He entrusted the harmonizing of some Scottish tunes to his son, Thomas Linley the Younger, whose musical contributions enriched the final production. [5-7]
Characters
Don Jerome: A wealthy and controlling father, determined to marry his daughter Louisa to the rich Isaac Mendoza. [3, 8]
Donna Louisa: Don Jerome's daughter, in love with the impoverished Don Antonio but pressured to marry Isaac. [3, 8]
Don Ferdinand: Don Jerome's son, in love with Donna Clara, who is being forced into a nunnery. [8]
Isaac Mendoza: A rich but foolish Jewish merchant, chosen by Don Jerome as Louisa's husband. [3, 8]
Don Carlos: A friend of Don Antonio and a rival for Clara's affections. [9]
Donna Clara: Loved by both Don Ferdinand and Don Carlos; her father intends for her to enter a convent. [8]
The Duenna (Lady Margaret): Louisa's chaperone, who aids her in her schemes. [3]
Plot Summary
The opera's storyline is a delightful blend of romance, mistaken identities, and social commentary. The central conflict revolves around Don Jerome's attempts to control his children's love lives. He insists that his daughter Louisa marry the wealthy Isaac Mendoza despite her love for Don Antonio. Simultaneously, his son Ferdinand is desperately trying to prevent his beloved Donna Clara from being forced into a nunnery by her father.
The plot thickens as Louisa, aided by the clever Duenna, escapes her father's house to elope with Antonio. Disguises, mistaken identities, and farcical situations ensue, involving characters hiding in convents, serenading each other at night, and engaging in duels of wit and deception. In the end, true love prevails, but not without a healthy dose of comedic chaos and social satire along the way. Don Jerome, outsmarted by his own children and the Duenna, begrudgingly accepts their choices, and the opera concludes on a note of joyous reconciliation. [2, 8]
Enduring Popularity and Modern Adaptations
The Duenna was an immediate sensation upon its premiere, enjoying 75 performances in its first season and remaining a popular production throughout the 19th century. The opera's blend of witty dialogue, memorable characters, and charming music resonated with audiences. [2, 10]
In the 20th century, The Duenna experienced renewed interest. Notable revivals included productions at the Maddermarket Theatre in Norwich in 1923 and a production by Sir Barry Jackson in Birmingham shortly thereafter. These revivals helped reintroduce the opera to new audiences and paved the way for modern adaptations. [11]
Two notable composers have created modern operas based on Sheridan's libretto. Roberto Gerhard, a Spanish Catalan composer, created his version of The Duenna in 1947-1949. Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev's adaptation, titled Betrothal in a Monastery, premiered in 1946 after delays caused by World War II. These modern reimaginings demonstrate the enduring appeal of Sheridan's work and its ability to inspire creative interpretations across time and cultures. [12]
It is worth noting that, apart from Thomas Moore's biography of Sheridan, the sources do not provide extensive information about The Duenna's critical reception or in-depth analysis of its themes and literary significance.
A Trip to Scarborough: An Overview
Playwright: Richard Brinsley Sheridan [1, 2]
First Performance: February 24, 1777 [2]
Genre: 18th-century play (comedy of manners) [1, 2]
Source Material
Sheridan based A Trip to Scarborough on John Vanbrugh's The Relapse (1696). [2]
He significantly toned down the "bawdy content" of the original play. [2]
Sheridan, already a successful playwright, owned the Drury Lane Theatre in London where all of his later plays were performed. [3]
Plot Summary
The main character, Tom Fashion, arrives in Scarborough broke, accompanied only by his loyal servant, Lory. [4]
Tom's goal is to secure money from his wealthy older brother, Lord Foppington. [4]
Tom discovers that Lord Foppington is engaged to a rich young woman, Miss Hoyden, the daughter of Sir Tunbelly Clumsey. [4]
Complicating matters, the couple has never met and communicates through a go-between, Dame Coupler. [4]
Tom, with the help of his friends Colonel Townley and Loveless, plots to marry Miss Hoyden himself to gain her fortune. [4]
A subplot involves Colonel Townley and his beloved Berinthia, who tests his fidelity before accepting his proposal. [5]
The schemes overlap when Colonel Townley pretends to court Amanda, Loveless's wife, to make Berinthia jealous, leading to further complications. [5]
Tom successfully impersonates his brother to gain access to Sir Tunbelly's home and quickly wins the father's approval for the marriage. [6]
Tom bribes Miss Hoyden's nurse to marry them immediately, before Lord Foppington can arrive. [6]
The charade is eventually exposed, but the marriage is already legally binding. [6]
The play ends with Tom achieving his objective: a wife, wealth, and his brother's complete humiliation. [6]
Main Characters
Men [7]
Lord Foppington: Tom Fashion's wealthy older brother.
Young Fashion (Tom Fashion): The protagonist, seeking to gain his brother's fortune.
Loveless: A friend of Tom Fashion whose wife is pursued by Lord Foppington.
Colonel Townley: A friend of Tom Fashion, in love with Berinthia.
Sir Tunbelly Clumsey: Miss Hoyden's father.
Probe: Sir Tunbelly's servant
Lory: Tom Fashion's loyal servant.
La Varole: Lord Foppington's servant.
Additional unnamed characters: Shoemaker, Taylor, Hosier, Jeweller, and Servants.
Women [7]
Berinthia: The object of Colonel Townley's affection.
Amanda: Loveless's wife, pursued by Lord Foppington and used by Colonel Townley in his scheme.
Mrs. Coupler: The go-between for Lord Foppington and Miss Hoyden.
Nurse: Miss Hoyden's nurse, bribed by Tom Fashion.
Miss Hoyden: The wealthy young woman pursued by both Lord Foppington and Tom Fashion.
Adaptations
Alan Ayckbourn adapted A Trip to Scarborough in 1982, weaving it into a three-part play set in the Royal Hotel in Scarborough. [2]
Ayckbourn's adaptation demands much from the actors, requiring them to play multiple roles across three different time periods: the 18th century, World War II, and the present day. [2]
Ayckbourn revived and updated his version of the play at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough in 2007-2008. [2]
Overview of The Camp
Full Title: The Camp: A Musical Entertainment
Playwright: Richard Brinsley Sheridan (with contributions from John Burgoyne and David Garrick)
Premiere Date: October 15, 1778
Premiere Location: Drury Lane Theatre, London
Setting: A military camp near Coxheath in Southern England
Genre: Satirical Play
Historical Context
American War of Independence: The Camp premiered during a time of significant anxiety in England due to the ongoing American War of Independence and the threat of invasion by France and Spain. [1]
Military Preparedness: The play satirizes the British efforts to organize home defenses in the face of a potential invasion. [1]
Public Sentiment: A genuine sense of crisis gripped the nation, culminating in the failed Armada of 1779. [2]
Success and Legacy
Popularity: The Camp was a hit with audiences, becoming the most performed work at the Drury Lane Theatre during the 1778-1779 season. [2]
Collaboration: The play is notable for its collaborative nature, involving contributions from playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan, general and playwright John Burgoyne, and renowned actor David Garrick. [1]
Design: Philip James de Loutherbourg, known for his innovative stage designs, created the set designs for The Camp. [1]
Additional Notes
The provided excerpts from Wikipedia do not offer a detailed plot summary or character list for The Camp. [1-5]
The sources focus on the play's historical context, production, and impact. [1-5]
Sheridan's Other Works
Sheridan is best known for his comedies of manners, including The Rivals (1775) and The School for Scandal (1777). [4, 6]
The Camp was written between these two successful plays, demonstrating Sheridan's continued engagement with contemporary social and political issues. [4, 6]
An Overview of The Critic
Full Title: The Critic: or, a Tragedy Rehearsed
Playwright: Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Premiere Date: 1779
Premiere Location: Drury Lane Theatre, London
Genre: Satire
Content
The Critic mocks theatrical conventions and the world of play production in the 18th century. [1]
Sheridan considered the first act to be his strongest writing. [1]
The play is based on the Duke of Buckingham's play, The Rehearsal. [2]
Characters and Plot
The play centers around an author named Mr. Puff who invites the critic Dangle, the critic Sneer, and the author Sir Fretful Plagiary to a rehearsal of Puff's play, The Spanish Armada. [2]
Sir Fretful Plagiary is a caricature of the dramatist Richard Cumberland, who was a contemporary of Sheridan's. [1]
The character of Sir Fretful Plagiary is a commentary on the vanity of authors. [1]
The Spanish Armada is Sheridan's own parody of popular tragic drama at the time. [2]
Notable Productions
A star-studded production was mounted at Her Majesty's Theatre in 1911. [2]
Laurence Olivier starred as Mr. Puff in a famous Old Vic production in 1946. [2]
Hywel Bennett starred in a BBC television production in 1982 that was also broadcast on A&E in the United States. [2]
The Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. premiered a modernized adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher in 2016. This production was presented as a double bill with Tom Stoppard's The Real Inspector Hound. [3]
The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota also produced the Hatcher adaptation paired with The Real Inspector Hound in 2016. [3]
Operatic Adaptation
Sir Charles Villiers Stanford adapted The Critic as a two-act opera. [3]
The opera premiered in London in 1916. [3]
Critical Reception
Charles Spencer of The Telegraph described the play as a "gem" that provides insight into the world of 18th-century dramatists, theatre enthusiasts, and critics. [4]
Kate Wingfield of Metro Weekly characterized The Critic as "very fun to be with" and "luxuriously clever," but also noted that the play's humor relies heavily on farce, particularly in the rehearsal scenes. [4]
Dominic P. Papatola of the St. Paul Pioneer Press found The Critic to be outdated. [4]
Michael Billington of The Guardian commented on the play's contemporary relevance, noting that the character of Mr. Sneer's criticism of moralizing writers seems to anticipate modern verbatim theatre. [4]
An Overview of The Glorious First of June
Full Title: The Glorious First of June
Playwright: Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Premiere Date: July 2, 1794
Premiere Location: Drury Lane Theatre, London
Genre: Play
Subject: Depicts the events of the Glorious First of June, a British naval victory over the French fleet on June 1, 1794, during the French Revolutionary War. [1, 2]
Content
The play is based on newspaper accounts of the battle. [2]
The Glorious First of June includes a discussion of naval patriotism, a significant topic at the time. [2]
Financial Aspect
Profits from the play were donated to families who lost loved ones in the battle. [2]
Characters
The sources list the following characters:
Comodore Broadside
Endless
Old Cottager
Robin
William
Tom Oakum
Ben
Splicem
Boy
Dick
Busy
Cottager's Wife
Mary
Susan
Girl
Cicely
Margaretta
Sailors, Countrymen, Countrylasses [3]
Pizarro: A Tragic Spectacle
Full Title: Pizarro
Playwright: Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Genre: Historical Tragedy
Premiere Date: May 24, 1799
Premiere Location: Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London
Setting: 16th-century Peru
Source Material: Adapted from August von Kotzebue's German play Die Spanier in Peru, which depicts the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire.
Plot and Themes
The sources do not provide a detailed plot summary, but they indicate that the play centers on the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in 1532, led by Francisco Pizarro.
Pizarro is a complex historical figure who embodies both ambition and cruelty.
The play likely explores themes of colonialism, conquest, and the clash between different cultures.
Production and Reception
The original production of Pizarro was a resounding success, running for 31 consecutive nights and enjoying numerous revivals.
The play's popularity may have been influenced by its historical context. It premiered during the Napoleonic Wars when England was facing the threat of a French invasion.
The play's exploration of themes like patriotism and resistance likely resonated with audiences at the time.
Notable Cast and Crew
The original cast featured several prominent actors of the period:
John Philip Kemble as Rolla
William Barrymore as Pizarro
Sarah Siddons as Elvira
Dorothea Jordan as Cora
Charles Kemble as Alonzo
Michael Kelly composed the music for the play.
The epilogue was written by William Lamb, who later served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Adaptation
The sources note that Sheridan's Pizarro is an adaptation of a German play by August von Kotzebue, which was itself based on historical events.
Additional Points
Pizarro was one of Sheridan's later plays, written after his successful comedies of manners, such as The Rivals and The School for Scandal.
The historical setting and tragic genre of Pizarro mark a departure from Sheridan's earlier works
In-depth Notes on The School for Scandal
Date and Theatre Premiered: May 8, 1777, at the Drury Lane Theatre in London [1]
Genre: Comedy of Manners [1]
Setting: London, UK [1]
Act-Wise and Scene-Wise Summary with Character Highlights
Act I
Scene I:Characters: Lady Sneerwell, Snake, Joseph Surface, Maria, Mrs. Candour, Sir Benjamin Backbite, Crabtree
Lady Sneerwell, a wealthy widow, and her associate Snake discuss their schemes to spread gossip. [2]
They reveal their plan to ruin Charles Surface's reputation and separate him from Maria, an heiress. [2]
The arrival of various gossipmongers, including Mrs. Candour, Sir Benjamin Backbite, and Crabtree, fuels further scandalous conversations. [2]
Scene II:Characters: Sir Peter Teazle, Rowley, Sir Oliver Surface
Sir Peter Teazle complains about his young wife's extravagant spending habits and her rejection of Joseph Surface as a suitor for Maria. [3]
Rowley, the former steward of the Surface family, defends Charles Surface's character. [3]
They learn of the unexpected arrival of Sir Oliver Surface, the wealthy uncle of Charles and Joseph, from the East Indies. [3]
Act II
Scene I:Characters: Sir Peter Teazle, Lady Teazle
Sir Peter and Lady Teazle engage in a heated argument over her spending and her association with Lady Sneerwell's circle. [4]
Scene II:Characters: Lady Sneerwell, Snake, Maria, Sir Benjamin Backbite, Crabtree, Mrs. Candour, Lady Teazle, Sir Peter Teazle, Joseph Surface
At Lady Sneerwell's, the gossipmongers revel in spreading rumors and slander, much to Maria's disgust. [4]
Sir Peter's arrival temporarily disrupts their activities. [4]
Joseph Surface attempts to court Maria but is rejected. [4]
Scene III:Characters: Sir Peter Teazle, Sir Oliver Surface
Sir Oliver visits his old friend, Sir Peter, and they discuss the Surface brothers. [5]
Sir Peter praises Joseph's morals, but Sir Oliver expresses doubts. [5]
Act III
Scene I:Characters: Rowley, Sir Oliver Surface, Moses, Sir Peter Teazle, Maria, Lady Teazle
Rowley outlines a plan for Sir Oliver to test his nephews' characters by disguising himself as their impoverished relative "Mr. Stanley." [5]
Sir Oliver decides to also assume the identity of a moneylender, "Mr. Premium," to interact with Charles. [5]
Sir Peter tries to persuade Maria to marry Joseph but fails. [6]
He then argues with Lady Teazle, leading to a decision to separate. [6]
Scene II:Characters: Sir Oliver Surface (as Mr. Premium), Moses, Trip
Sir Oliver, disguised as Mr. Premium, arrives at Charles's house with Moses, a moneylender. [6]
They observe Trip, Charles's servant, trying to secure a loan from Moses. [6]
Scene III:Characters: Charles Surface, Careless, Sir Harry Bumper, Moses, Sir Oliver Surface (as Mr. Premium)
Charles and his friends engage in revelry and drinking. [7]
Sir Oliver, disguised as Mr. Premium, witnesses Charles's carefree behavior. [7]
Charles sells his family portraits to "Premium" to raise money but refuses to sell his uncle's portrait. [7]
Act IV
Scene I:Characters: Charles Surface, Sir Oliver Surface (as Mr. Premium), Moses, Rowley
Charles's refusal to sell his uncle's portrait touches Sir Oliver, who decides to forgive him. [8]
Scene II:Characters: Sir Oliver Surface, Moses, Rowley
Sir Oliver receives the money Charles sent to "Mr. Stanley" and resolves to help his nephew. [9]
Scene III:Characters: Joseph Surface, Lady Teazle, Sir Peter Teazle, Charles Surface
Lady Teazle visits Joseph and hides behind a screen when Sir Peter arrives unexpectedly. [9]
A series of misunderstandings and mistaken identities ensues, culminating in Lady Teazle's exposure and Joseph's hypocrisy revealed. [10, 11]
Act V
Scene I:Characters: Sir Oliver Surface (as Mr. Stanley), Joseph Surface, Rowley
Sir Oliver, as Stanley, visits Joseph, who refuses to help him financially. [12]
Joseph's lies about Sir Oliver's generosity and his own financial situation enrage Sir Oliver. [12]
Scene II:Characters: Lady Sneerwell, Mrs. Candour, Sir Benjamin Backbite, Crabtree, Sir Oliver Surface, Sir Peter Teazle, Rowley
The gossipmongers spread conflicting rumors about a duel involving the Teazle brothers. [13]
Sir Peter confronts them, and Sir Oliver reveals his knowledge of Joseph's true character. [13]
Scene III:Characters: Lady Sneerwell, Joseph Surface, Sir Oliver Surface, Charles Surface, Sir Peter Teazle, Lady Teazle, Maria, Rowley, Snake
Lady Sneerwell's plan to discredit Charles backfires when Snake exposes her deceit. [14]
Joseph's hypocrisy is fully exposed, and he is condemned. [14]
Charles and Maria reconcile, and Lady Teazle resolves to abandon the "School for Scandal." [14]
Epilogue
Spoken by Lady Teazle [15]
Original Cast:
Joseph Surface: John Palmer [16]
Lady Teazle: Frances Abington [16]
Charles Surface: William 'Gentleman' Smith [16]
Mrs. Candour: Jane Pope [16]
The School for Scandal: A Deeper Look
Revisions and Variant Versions
Sheridan revised The School for Scandal multiple times, both before and after its initial production. [1]
In the play's early stages, Sheridan worked on two separate drafts, one focusing on Lady Sneerwell's circle and the other on the Teazles, before combining them into a single play. [2]
The School for Scandal was not published in an authorized edition during Sheridan's lifetime. The first Dublin edition in 1788 was based on a copy Sheridan sent to his sister. [2]
Editors have found the text of The School for Scandal challenging to work with, resulting in significant variations between different editions. [3]
The Penguin Classics edition uses the 1821 edition of Sheridan's works as its base but incorporates changes from earlier manuscripts. [3]
The Project Gutenberg text presents a different version based on a manuscript in Sheridan's handwriting. [3]
One notable difference between these versions is the character of Miss Verjuice, Lady Sneerwell's accomplice in the Project Gutenberg text, who is replaced by Snake in the 1821 edition and most subsequent versions. [4, 5]
Some editors and performers favor the manuscript version that includes Miss Verjuice. [6]
However, the cast list for the play's first production in 1777 does not include Miss Verjuice, indicating Sheridan replaced her with Snake before the premiere. [6]
Other textual variations exist between the versions, including differences in wording and details in specific scenes. [6]
Reception and Critical Commentary
The School for Scandal has enjoyed widespread acclaim since its premiere.
The English critic William Hazlitt praised Sheridan's comedies for their effectiveness and wit, highlighting The School for Scandal as a polished and nearly perfect example of the genre. [7]
Hazlitt lauded specific scenes, such as the sale of the family portraits and Lady Teazle's discovery behind the screen, as exceptionally well-crafted. [7]
He also commended the play's spirit of generosity and its belief in the potential for goodness in human nature. [7]
Edmund Gosse described the play as "perhaps the best existing English comedy of intrigue," acknowledging its skillful construction and entertainment value. [8]
Charles Lamb saw the play as an evolution from the works of earlier Restoration playwrights like Congreve and Wycherley but criticized elements of sentimentality within the comedy. [8]
The School for Scandal has also faced criticism for hints of anti-Semitism in its portrayal of moneylenders, a profession often associated with Jewish individuals at the time. [8]
While the moneylender Moses is presented in a relatively positive light, the language used to describe him, such as "friendly Jew," might suggest that he is an exception to a generally negative stereotype. [8]
Modern productions have grappled with this aspect of the play, with some choosing to modify the language to remove potentially offensive references while others have retained the original text, acknowledging its problematic elements. [9]
Criticism has also been directed at the play's characterization, with some arguing that the characters lack individuality and all speak with Sheridan's signature wit, rather than possessing distinct voices. [10]
Translating the play's style to contemporary audiences has also posed challenges, as some productions have struggled to capture the nuances of Sheridan's social satire. [11]
Adaptations
The School for Scandal has been adapted for film and television on numerous occasions. [12]
A silent British film version, The School for Scandal, was released in 1923, directed by Bertram Phillips and featuring Basil Rathbone in the cast. [12]
The first sound film adaptation, also titled The School for Scandal, was produced in 1930 but is currently believed to be lost. [13]
The play was first adapted for television by the BBC in 1937, with Greer Garson in a leading role. [13]
The BBC revisited the play with another television production in 1959. [13]
In 1975, the American public broadcaster WNET/13, in collaboration with KTCA, aired a production by the Guthrie Theater Company, featuring an adaptation by Michael Bawtree. [13]
Later Notable Actors
Jane Austen, known for her novels, is reported to have performed the role of Mrs. Candour in a private production of The School for Scandal in 1812. [14]
A 1975 PBS Great Performances broadcast showcased a production from the Tyrone Guthrie Theatre, with a cast including Larry Gates, Kenneth Welsh, Bernard Behrens, Patricia Conolly, Ivar Brogger, Barbara Bryne, Mark Lamos, and Blair Brown. [14]
John Gielgud notably portrayed Charles Surface in a celebrated 1937 production at the Queens Theatre and later directed a 1963 Broadway revival in which he again played the same role. [14]
Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, renowned acting couple, took on the roles of Sir Peter and Lady Teazle, respectively, in an Old Vic Company production at the New Theatre, which also featured Peter Cushing and Terence Morgan. [14]
Donald Sinden starred as Sir Peter Teazle in a 1983 production at the Haymarket Theatre (later transferred to the Duke of York's Theatre), directed by John Barton and featuring Marc Sinden as Charles Surface and Googie Withers as Lady Sneerwell. This production was later chosen for the British Council's 50th-anniversary European tour in 1984. [14]
The sources indicate that the character of Mrs. Malaprop first appeared in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's play The Rivals, which premiered on January 17, 1775, at the Covent Garden Theatre in London. [1] The first actress to portray Mrs. Malaprop was Jane Green. [2]
Elsie Leslie an American actress played Lydia Languish in 1899 production of rivals