A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

The Stepmother

Full-Length Play  /  5w, 4m

Githa Sowerby

In 1924, a young woman with two stepdaughters summons the courage and determination to succeed as a wife, mother and businesswoman.

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The Stepmother

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    5w, 4m
  • Duration
    Duration
    More than 120 minutes (2 hours)

Details

Summary

Lois Relph, a young woman with two beloved stepdaughters and her own thriving business, appears contented and in charge. But the year is 1924, so does she really have control of her own money, or even her life? And what will she do if things going wrong personally or professionally? It takes courage and determination to define the roles of wife, mother and businesswoman, and Lois knows it will not be easy. Decades after its premiere, this classic story continues to resonate.

History
The Stepmother was first staged in January 1924 for a single private performance at the New Theatre in London. The play disappeared for decades, but the manuscript was rediscovered in 2008, leading to a production at Shaw Festival in Canada. The Stepmother made its professional premiere at the Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond in March 2013. Directed by Sam Walters, the production featured Katie McGuinness in the title role.

CHARLOTTE GAYDON
MARY
EUSTACE GAYDON
MONICA, his daughter
BETTY, his daughter
MR BENNET
MISS LOIS RELPH
CYRIL BENNET
PETER HOLLAND
MRS GEDDES

  • Time Period 1920s
  • Setting

    Eustace Gaydon’s house at Chilworth & other locations. 1924.

  • Duration More than 120 minutes (2 hours)

Media

“An important moment for feminist theatre.” – The Stage

“Sowerby... writes with a power and precision about social injustice.” – The Guardian

“The real delight lies in seeing the restoration of a knotty problem-play that demolishes the myth that British drama between the wars was an exclusively male affair.” – The Guardian

“A wonderfully reptilian account of masculinity.” – The Telegraph

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

    Please submit a license request to determine availability.

Scripts

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Authors

Githa Sowerby

Githa Sowerby

Katherine Githa Sowerby was born in 1876 in Gateshead, England. Her first play, Rutherford & Son, originally performed in 1912, was an outstanding success. Credited as G.K. Sowerby, the playwright was assumed to be a man. When Sowerby's true identity was revealed, she became ...

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