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A play without music, said to be founded on The Dumb Belle by Bayle Bernard. Copy in British Library published 1851 at 11770.e.2. Edition of 1868 at 11791 ccc 4/35. [De Witt's Acting Plays].

First performed 17 August 1835, with the cast:

MARIANNE SANDFORD Lavinia Melville
MR. SANDFORD, her father Mr. Clifford
ARTHUR MERTON T.H. Lacy

Synopsis

Arthur Merton has returned from abroad to marry Marianne to whom he was long betrothed. Unfortunately he has heard false rumours that she never stops talking, and has written to her father saying how much he longs for that impossible thing, a silent woman. Outraged, Marianne determines to punish him, and gives out that she has had an accident and is deaf and dumb. After trying to communicate with her with great difficulty, Arthur wishes (out loud) that she could only hear and speak again. She then drops the act, and forgives him.

Performed on tour 1882 with W.T. Hemsley, Clarence J. Stanley and Josephine Findlay. On tour 1883, cast not known.


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