
Charley's Aunt
'Charley's Aunt' Summary
Brandon Thomas's 1892 farce Charley's Aunt is a classic tale of mistaken identity and slapstick comedy. The play follows the misadventures of two Oxford undergraduates, Charley Wykeham and Jack Chesney, who are in love with two young ladies, Amy Spettigue and Kitty Verdun, respectively. However, the girls' guardians have decreed that they can only court their daughters under the supervision of a suitable chaperone.
When Charley's rich aunt Donna Lucia d'Alvadorez from Brazil is due to arrive for a visit, Charley and Jack see their chance. They convince their friend Lord Fancourt Babberley, a mild-mannered aristocrat, to impersonate Donna Lucia's aunt. Babberley is initially reluctant, but he is eventually persuaded by Charley and Jack's promise that he will be able to meet with his own beloved, Ela Delahay, without attracting the attention of her disapproving guardian, Spettigue.
On the day of Donna Lucia's arrival, Babberley dresses up in a woman's dress and tries his best to impersonate a Brazilian widow. However, things quickly go awry when Donna Lucia herself arrives unexpectedly. Babberley is forced to juggle the two roles, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and confusions.
Meanwhile, Charley and Jack have their own problems to deal with. Amy and Kitty are suspicious of Babberley's true identity, and Spettigue is determined to expose him. To make matters worse, a fortune hunter named Brassett arrives on the scene, intent on marrying Donna Lucia for her money.
In the end, Babberley's true identity is revealed, but not before he has helped Charley and Jack to win their loves. The play ends with a happy wedding for all three couples.
Charley's Aunt is a timeless farce that has been enjoyed by audiences for over 100 years. It is a funny and heartwarming story about love, friendship, and the importance of family. The play is full of witty dialogue, absurd situations, and physical comedy. It is a testament to Thomas's skill as a playwright that Charley's Aunt remains as fresh and funny today as it was when it was first written.
Essence and Spirit of the Book
The essence and spirit of Charley's Aunt is one of fun, laughter, and escapism. Thomas's play is a lighthearted and frivolous romp that is designed to entertain and amuse the audience. He does not shy away from the absurd, and his play is full of over-the-top humor and physical comedy.
However, at its heart, Charley's Aunt is a story about love and friendship. The play celebrates the power of love to overcome all obstacles, and it shows the importance of having friends who can support us through thick and thin.
Conclusion
Charley's Aunt is a classic farce that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. It is a funny and heartwarming story about love, friendship, and the importance of family. The play is full of witty dialogue, absurd situations, and physical comedy. It is a testament to Thomas's skill as a playwright that Charley's Aunt remains as fresh and funny today as it was when it was first written.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
1892Genre/Category
Tags/Keywords
Authors

Brandon Thomas
England
Brandon Thomas was an English actor, playwright, and songwriter, born in 1848. He is best known as the author of the farce Charley's Aunt, which has been performed countless times around the world sin...
Books by Brandon ThomasDownload eBooks
Unfortunately, no ebooks exist for this book, yet...
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

The Devil's Disciple by George Bernard Shaw
The Devil's Disciple is an 1897 play written by Irish dramatist George Bernard Shaw. The play is Shaw's eighth, and after Richard Mansfield's original...

Grandpa's Darlings by Pansy (Isabella Macdonald Alden)
Grandpa's Darlings is a charming book by Pansy that tells the story of two little girls, Minnie and Gracie, and their grandfather. The book is a colle...

Bernice by Susan Glaspell
Bernice, a captivating and larger-than-life woman, tragically dies, leaving behind a profound void in the hearts of those who knew her. The mystery su...

Pony Rider Boys in Montana by Frank Gee Patchin
The Pony Rider Boys, a group of adventurous young men, are back in this third installment of the series. This time, they've set their sights on the ru...

Fair Barbarian by Frances Hodgson Burnett
In a quaint English village nestled in the heart of the 19th century, the tranquil life of a solitary spinster is thrown into disarray with the unexpe...

Recalled to Life by Grant Allen
In Grant Allen's "Recalled to Life," a woman grapples with the aftermath of a traumatic event from her childhood. She witnessed her father's murder, b...

Grandmother Elsie by Martha Finley
In this heartwarming installment of the Elsie Dinsmore series, Elsie's daughter, Violet, marries a naval captain with three children of his own. The s...

Fetch by Dora Sigerson Shorter
LibriVox volunteers bring you 7 different recordings of The Fetch by Dora Sigerson Shorter.

Ere Sleep Comes Down to Soothe the Weary Eyes by Paul Laurence Dunbar
"Ere Sleep Comes Down to Soothe the Weary Eyes" is a collection of poems by Paul Laurence Dunbar, one of the most important African-American poets of...

The Tale of Old Dog Spot by Arthur Scott Bailey
Meet Old Dog Spot, the wisest and most beloved dog in the neighborhood. The Tale of Old Dog Spot by Arthur Scott Bailey is a heartwarming and delight...
Reviews for Charley's Aunt
No reviews posted or approved, yet...