Open Air Theatre: She Stoops to Conquer

Open-air production in the grounds of Deans Court, Wimborne.

Oliver Goldsmith’s witty and warm-hearted comedy has been delighting audiences for nearly 250 years.

Hardcastle, a country squire, is expecting the arrival of Marlow, the son of an aristocratic friend he’d like to introduce to his daughter Kate, with a view to marriage. But thanks to Hardcastle’s mischievous stepson Tony Lumpkin, Marlow mistakes his prospective father-in-law for an innkeeper, and Kate for the barmaid.

The good news is, while Marlow is entirely tongue-tied and incapable of eye contact with a lady of his own class, he’s an absolute charmer with women of a different stamp. And so, as Hardcastle’s indignation intensifies, Kate’s appreciation for her misguided suitor soars, as she hides her true identity and ‘stoops to conquer’.

Meanwhile Marlow’s friend Hastings is in love with Kate’s cousin Constance. But standing in their way is Constance’s aunt and guardian, the selfish and vain Mrs Hardcastle, who wants her niece to marry her son Tony so that Constance’s inheritance of valuable jewels stays in the family.

Chaos and confusion ensue in this classic comedy of errors! So bring a picnic, something to sit on, and relax in the glorious grounds of Deans Court as you watch one of the great comedies of the English language. Directed by Richard Neal.

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Open Air Theatre: She Stoops to Conquer