Charley’s Aunt

Summary

1965 Yorkshire Television production for ITV of Brandon Thomas’ farce Charley’s Aunt.

Theatre play

Charley’s Aunt by Brandon Thomas [more information]

Play synopsis

Charley and Jack love Amy and Kitty. Charley thinks he may miss his opportunity to ask for Amy’s hand, but he discovers that his aunt, from Brazil is coming for lunch. The plan is that the aunt can chaperone while the boys ask the girls to marry them. But Donna Lucia, the aunt, is late, and their friend, Lord Fancourt Babberley shows up in drag. He is convinced to pretend to be Donna Lucia, and an afternoon of mistaken identity ensues. Eventually, the real Donna Lucia steps in and graciously puts an end to the madness. All the lovers end up together and happy.

Production history

First performed at Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds in February 1892.

Date of transmission

Thursday 29 December 1977

Channel

ITV

Production company

Yorkshire Television (1968-)

Credits

Playwright

Brandon Thomas

Additional details

Play tags

19th-century setting; farce; universities, as theme or setting