The Busy Body

Synopsis

Two pairs of lovers determined to wed. Two meddling fathers determined to stop them. Two crafty servants with a cunning plan...And one busy body. As the spirited heroine Miranda engages in a battle of wits with her lover, the romantic Isabinda plots to escape her arranged marriage to a wealthy Spaniard. Meanwhile the hapless 'busy body' Marplot tries his utmost to help his friends, but his valiant efforts only succeed in leading them closer towards disaster...

Our Review:

Rebecca Hussein - 3 October 2012

A chorus of, “She is pretty fit, how did you get her?” is not quite what one expects in the wedding scene of your average restoration comedy.

And yet The Busy Body by famed 18th century actress and playwright Susanna Centlivre proves itself to be anything but average. Indeed, this new production establishes this almost immediately with an opening musical interlude so bursting with girl power that the Spice Girls would have been proud. This musical acknowledgement of female playwrights throughout history instantly sets the tone for a piece in which a lady’s fan becomes a dangerous weapon and huge skirts are worn merely to conceal one’s lover.

What is absolutely thrilling about this production is its sheer naughtiness. The musical interludes that serve both to mock the characters and support them in times of crisis are a delight and add to a wonderful sense of mischief that runs through the entire piece. Particularly embodying this ...

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Latest User Review

A. van Haeften - 4 October 2012:

What a shame this excellent production didn't get many reviews from the London theatre critics nor much publicity. It deserved it!...

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