The Constant Couple

The Constant Couple is a 1699 play by the Irish writer George Farquhar. It is part of the Restoration comedy tradition, and is often described as a sentimental comedy. It marked the first major success of Farquhar's career. A series of comic misunderstandings are triggered when three rivals vie for the hand of the wealthy heiress Lady Lurewell.

It was staged at the

For several decades the part of Sir Harry was strongly identified with the actor Robert Wilks, and became his signature role. It was later taken over by the Irish actress Peg Woffington, who performed it as a breeches role.^[2] Dorothea Jordan also played the part as did Samuel Foote. Actresses who have played the role of Lady Lurewell included Anne Oldfield and Hannah Pritchard. William Bullock appeared in the original run as Clincher.

Numerous revivals of the play have taken place over subsequent centuries.

References

Bibliography

• Morash, Christopher. A History of Irish Theatre 1601-2000. Cambridge University Press, 2002.

External links

• The Constant Couple public domain audiobook at LibriVox

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