Performances 19-24 July 2027 in the Auditorium

London Assurance is a comedy of manners. It was written in 1841, but you could easily mistake it for a 17th century Restoration comedy, and that is how I propose to play it.

It is an actors’ play - high comedy, just occasionally on the edge of farce without actually tipping over. The two leading characters, Sir Harcourt Courtly and Lady Gay Spanker, have been described as two of the great comic roles of the English stage.

CHARACTERS

Sir Harcourt Courtly – self-important, a martyr to fashion, dreadfully vain.  Will only admit to 39 of his 57 years.

Max Harkaway – Sir Harcourt’s long time friend. A plain speaker. 50+

Charles Courtly – Sir Harcourt’s son from an early marriage. Regularly out on the town all night. 25

Cool - Sir Harcourt’s valet, described by Charles as the best liar in London. Keeps Charles’ exploits secret from his father. 35+

Mary - Sir Harcourt’s housekeeper, in charge of his Belgrave Square house. 60+

Richard Dazzle – befriends Charles, a freeloader, a charming grifter. who survives on his very considerable wits whilst living at the expense of others. 30+

Mark Meddle – a lawyer - eager, ambitious, useless. 30+

Mr Adolphus Spanker - Lady Gay’s elderly husband. 70+

James - Harkaway’s servant 35+

Lady Gay Spanker – an extremely attractive character, very hearty, very horsey. 40+

Grace Harkaway - Sir Harcourt’s bride-to-be. Bright, pretty. 18

Pert - Grace’s maid. Lives up to her name. 25+

1 or 2 additional servants