The Runaway(play)

The Runaway
Written by	Hannah Cowley
Date premiered	15 February 1776
Place premiered	Theatre Royal, Drury Lane,London
Original language	English
Genre	Comedy
Setting	England,present day

The Runawayis a 1776comedy playby the British writerHannah Cowley.It premiered atLondon'sTheatre Royal, Drury Laneon 15 February 1776.The original cast includedRichard Yatesas Mr Hargrave,William Smithas George Hargrave,Robert Bensleyas Mr Drummond,William Breretonas Sir Charles Seymour,James Aickinas Mr Morley,William Parsonsas Justice,John Palmeras Jarvis,Charles Bannisteras First Hunter,Elizabeth Hopkinsas Lady Dinah,Elizabeth Youngeas Bella,Priscilla Hopkinsas Harriet,Sarah Siddonsas Emily andMary Ann Wrightenas Susan. Cowley dedicated the play toDavid Garrick,theactor-managerof Drury Lane, who wrote theprologue.The action revolves around acountry houseinEngland.

Synopsis

George Hargrave, who is home from college, is overjoyed to learn that Emily, the mysterious runaway whom his godfather, Mr. Drummond, has taken in, is the same young lady he fell in love with at a recentmasquerade.Meanwhile, George's spirited cousin, Bella, helps George's sister, Harriet, and George's friend Sir Charles fall in love. George's designs are threatened when he learns that his father wants George to marry Lady Dinah, a pretentious older lady who is also very rich. When Emily's father arrives to take Emily back to London, George gives chase and snatches Emily back. Mr. Drummond saves the day by offering the young lovers some of his land so that they can have a fortune of their own.

Bibliography

• Escott, Angela.The Celebrated Hannah Cowley: Experiments in Dramatic Genre, 1776–1794.Routledge, 2015.
• Greene, John C.Theatre in Dublin, 1745-1820: A Calendar of Performances, Volume 6.Lexington Books, 2011.
• Nicoll, Allardyce.A History of English Drama 1660–1900: Volume III.Cambridge University Press, 2009.
• Hogan, C.B (ed.)The London Stage, 1660–1800: Volume V.Southern Illinois University Press, 1968.