Mr Collins’ patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, advises him to marry and have children, but he can’t think who to ask until she tells him to approach his cousins, the 5 Bennet sisters. Their father’s estate is entailed on Mr Collins, so the Bennet girls should be predisposed to accept him, if only to keep the property in the family. Mr Collins pays a visit to the Bennets, and hilarity ensues as he tries to persuade Elizabeth to accept his proposal of marriage. Rejected by her, he turns to her more practical friend, Charlotte Lucas, who believes that ‘happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance’ - but escape from the poverty of an old maid is always worthwhile. A charming comedy on the theme of women, money and marriage.
Keywords: Jane Austen, Mr Collins, Elizabeth Bennet, Charlotte Lucas, marriage, feminism, romance, comedy
Year Printed: 2017
First Produced: London One Act Festival, McManus Stage-Grand Theatre
Running TIme: 30 minutes
Acts: 1
Male Cast: 2
Female Cast: 8
Suitable for School Productions: Students 12+