Showing results by author "Arthur Wing Pinero" in All Categories

A play written late in Pinero's career that shows he still knew how to reach his audience. A wounded WW1 veteran discovers that love truly conquers all in the Enchanted Cottage. This play has been made into a movie twice and a musical. - Summary by ToddHW Cast list: Oliver Bashforth, Late Lieutenant 8th Battalion Royal Regiment: Greg Giordano Mrs. Smallwood, his mother: valroth Rupert Smallwood, his stepfather: Tomas Peter Major Murray Hillgrove, D.S.O., M.C. (Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross): Beeswaxcandle Reverend Charles Corsellis, Rector of Fittlehurst: ToddHW Mrs. Corsellis: N...

Sweet Lavender stands out as one of the most celebrated stage plays of modern times, and it is undoubtedly the most beloved work of Mr. Pinero. With countless performances across the globe, its charm resonates with audiences far and wide. The secret to its enduring popularity lies in its blend of gentle humanity and delightful humor, offering a refreshing take that feels like a modern fairy tale. - Summary by Malcom C. Salaman, October 1893

Another Pinero play from the early 1900s. With a social message about the effects of stardom on the star as well as those that love them. "I’m afraid there’s one thing finer than winning the woman you love and, when you’ve won her, being prepared to go through fire and water for her." "What’s that?" "Having the courage to give her up" - Summary by ToddHW Cast list: Viscount Farncombe: Tomas Peter Colonel the Hon. Arthur Stidulph: alanmapstone Baron von Rettenmayer: Nemo Captain Nicholas Jeyes: Campbell Schelp Lionel Roper: Hamlet Sam de Castro: Aaron White Herbert Fulkerson: Frédéric...

The marriage of Theodore and Zoe Blundell is not going well, but before divorcing they consider a trial separation. Will they get back together and live happily-ever-after? Clayton Hamilton, a critic of the day, said: "It is not at all excessive to assert that no finer dramatic composition has been written in the English language within the first two decades of the twentieth century." - Summary by ToddHW Cast list: Theodore Blundell: Inkell The Honourable Peter Mottram: ToddHW Leonard Ferris: Tomas Peter Warren (Servant at Lancaster Gate): Greg Giordano Cole (Servant at the Flat in Cavendish ...

When Mrs. Herrick's brother Charlie dies, he leaves his money in trust for members of the circus he used to own under the name of "Segantini's World Renowned Mammoth International Hippodrome and Museum of Living Marvels". When five of the Extraordinary Mortals of the circus show up to visit with the Ordinary Mortals at Mrs. Herrick's country house, there is a clash of cultures.... - Summary by ToddHW Cast list: Ordinary Mortals: Mrs. Herrick, nee Smith (a widow): Linda Webster Ronald (her son): Adrian Stephens Sheila (her daughter): Matea Bracic Lady Ball-Jennings (her sister): Sonia Sir ...

Mr. St. John ["sinjin"] Panmure is having trouble dealing with his family obligations, political party machinations, and his household staff. "Sir Arthur W. Pinero's Preserving Mr. Panmure produced at the Comedy Theatre tonight with great success, signalizes a return to the lighter mood of the dramatist's early work. Laughter was almost continuous during the whole of the four acts, the dialogue being very witty, with many situations and lines that are quite irresistible. Arthur Playfair, as Panmure, made the hit of his histrionic career. " - Summary by ToddHW and New York Times, 20 Jan 1911 ...

This 1895 farce inspired by the outlandish idea of women wearing pants, centers around the predicament of the three daughters of the eccentric Marchioness of Castlejordan, who determined to have sons, raised them like boys. She encouraged them to dress and act like boys at home, yet dress like ladies when out. As the girls come of age, they are conflicted. They want to please mother by acting as her sons, but, suddenly smitten with three gentlemen, they are compelled to grow up and be ladies. When their suitors secretly come to woo, they aren’t sure what to do……and what will mother do if...

Dive into the enchanting world of The Beauty Stone, where beauty transcends the surface and reveals profound truths about love, identity, and the journey of self-discovery. This podcast explores the intricate connections between art, nature, and the human experience, inviting listeners to reflect on what truly makes us beautiful.

In the delightful chaos of life outside London, a group of gentlemen is ready to trade their bachelor days for marital bliss. Im going to settle down, hearthrug and slippers and all that sort of thing. With a determination to marry and retire from public life, they search far and wide for suitable partners, but fate offers them a few unexpected twists. Add in lost relatives, overprotective fathers, and a couple of wealthy widows, and you have a recipe for a truly hilarious farce. Join us for laughter and love in this charming tale. - Summary by ToddHW

In this poignant drama, a well-intentioned second wife finds herself in a constant struggle as she faces unfair comparisons to her husbands first wife. The profound themes of power and happiness are encapsulated in Hilary Jesson’s declaration near the end of the play I declare to you that the happy people Ive come across have never been the people who, possessing power, have employed it malevolently or uncharitably. This compelling piece not only garnered acclaim in England but also resonated with audiences as far away as Milan, where an Italian adaptation captivated theatergoers. - Summary ...

When his younger brother finds himself deep in a betting hole, one man thinks he can easily save the day by borrowing money from his employers while theyre away from the factory. But just as he starts to repay the debt, those employers are on their way back! In a desperate bid for cash, perhaps his wife can charm a friendly Lord—once her suitor—into lending a helping hand. A casual card game could be the answer, but what could possibly go wrong? - Summary by ToddHW

Step into a world of delightful chaos with In Chancery, an original fantastic comedy in three acts by Pinero. This farcical romp navigates the twists and turns of memory loss, mistaken identity, crime and detection, and romance, all while humorously examining the complexities of life. Join the characters as they hilariously grapple with their entangled relationships and misunderstandings. As one character quips, Your husband? My husband! Begorra! Its not bigamy, but trigonometry, hes been attempting. - Summary by ToddHW

In Hobby-Horse, we follow a man whose wife is deeply engrossed in philanthropy, pouring her generosity into worthy causes—just not his passion for the Turf and Stable. Feeling overlooked and distasteful of her indifference, he hatches a plan to persuade her to fund a noble cause a Home for decayed jockeys and stablemen who have seen better days on the racetrack. While his intentions seem honorable, the reality might be far from what he envisions. (Note An Introductory Note discussing the plays reception is included at the end of the Act 3 file, but beware of spoilers!)

Step into the world of The Schoolmistress, the second of Pineros uproarious farces, following the tremendous success of The Magistrate. This delightful play unveils the double life of Miss Caroline Dyott, Principal of Volumnia College, who is ensnared in a web of deception. As she contemplates the trust placed in her by the parents of twenty-seven unsuspecting pupils, she grapples with the weight of her secret Think of the people who believe in the rigid austerity of Caroline Dyott! With three engaging acts—The Mystery, The Party, and The Nightmare—join us for a captivating journey filled ...

https://www.solgoodmedia.com - Check out our Streaming Service for our full collection; hundreds of audiobooks, thousands of short stories, sounds for sleep/relaxation, and original podcasts - all ad-free!!Not your usual Pinero play. Gilbert and Sullivan had stopped collaborating, and so Pinero - at the height of his very successful career - and a lyricist named Comyns Carr were teamed up with Sullivan to prepare this "romantic musical drama in three acts". It is sorta the Faust story with the Devil, a magic stone that enhances the appearance of its wearer, and all the peoples of a medieval ...

http://www.adfreebooks.com - 500+ audiobooks, all ad freeNot your usual Pinero play. Gilbert and Sullivan had stopped collaborating, and so Pinero - at the height of his very successful career - and a lyricist named Comyns Carr were teamed up with Sullivan to prepare this "romantic musical drama in three acts". It is sorta the Faust story with the Devil, a magic stone that enhances the appearance of its wearer, and all the peoples of a medieval village and castle. Sorry to say, we are not including Sullivan's music in this release.

Explore the intricate dynamics of education and social expectations with "The School Mistress," a theme that delves into the challenges and triumphs of those who guide the young minds of tomorrow. This podcast invites you to reflect on the roles, responsibilities, and societal pressures faced by educators throughout time. Each week, a different full-length audiobook is featured, offering a diverse array of stories and insights from various eras and perspectives. Whether you're seeking to learn more about the evolution of education or simply craving an engaging narrative, this collection offers...

In Letty, one of Pineros compelling Social Plays, the stark double standard surrounding womens reputations is laid bare. While men are often celebrated for their actions, women like Letty—an ambitious shop assistant—face harsh judgment for seeking to elevate their status through marriage to their employer. This poignant story, originally adapted into a silent film in 1919 titled The Loves of Letty, explores themes of love, ambition, and societal expectations. - Summary by ToddHW

In this captivating episode titled An Episode in the History of a Provincial Family, we are drawn into the complexities of a family grappling with loss and the question of inheritance. Edward, the familys wealthy black sheep, has passed away without leaving a will, leaving his relatives at odds over how to divide his fortune. As their social shortcomings come to light, we see that the very faults they possess are those that a rational, dispassionate observer might easily forgive. Join us for a rich exploration of family dynamics, entitlement, and the quirks of human behavior. - Summary by ...