19:30, Fri 10th – Sun 12th February 2012 at Cripps Auditorium, Madgalene College
Lent Week 3 to Week 4

Dion Boucicault was a witty, selfish and deceitful charmer, a bigamist, a profligate spendthrift and the author of dozens of successful plays, of which only a handful survive. ‘London Assurance’ opened at Covent Garden in 1841 and was the hit of the season.

“The funniest and most assured comedy in all of London” - Sunday Telegraph

The setting is Oak Hall, Gloucestershire. Some have come for money, some have come for marriage, and some have come for as much free alcohol as they can get their hands on.

Sir Harcourt is brought out of his fashionable life in London by the prospect of marriage to the beautiful Grace Harkaway, several decades his junior. Distraction soon presents itself, however, in the form of her hearty cousin, Lady Gay Spanker.

Meanwhile his son Charles turns up - fleeing from his debts - along with a mysterious but charismatic companion, Dazzle. Charles is forced to disguise himself, and (rather awkwardly) happens to fall in love with his father’s bride to be.