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She Stoops to Conquer

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Summer 2006, in a humid July, we performed Oliver Goldsmith's 18th Century comedy "She Stoops to Conquer".

This was a lavish production, with beautiful costumes, at Otley Courthouse arts centre.

She Stoops to Conquer is a thoroughly entertaining romantic romp. The young Mr Marlow has come to the country as suitor to the daughter of his father's dear friend, Mr Hardcastle. The young Marlow is forthright in his affections for women of the lower classes, but his desperate fear of women his social equal means he has resigned himself to never being able to marry. The young Marlow is tricked into thinking that he is not yet at the Hardcastles' house, but is at an inn, and Miss Hardcastle adopts the guise of a barmaid to find out the true character of her suitor.

Meanwhile, Marlow's friend, Mr Hastings, has plans to run off with Miss Neville, who lives at the Hardcastle house. Mrs Hardcastle has hidden Miss Neville's family jewels, hoping to keep them for her beloved son Tony Lumpkin, and Miss Neville is loath to run away without her fortune.

I found this a fascinating play to work on, because the script demands great accuracy and energy. I think it was well worth the challenge.

- Alan Smith.

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