Two young women plot to escape their controlling guardians. But will the nosy Marplot – the “busy body” – ruin the plan?

A clever and hilarious exploration of how women might find freedom of choice in an age of the marriage contract, Susanna Centlivre’s comedy (first performed in 1709) was hugely popular on the 18th-century stage – not least, for its brilliant cast of characters. Led by Professor David Taylor, who specialises in British literature and culture from the mid-17th to the mid-19th century at the University of Oxford, this project partners with Oxford’s Creation Theatre and Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond, to revive this play for the 21st century.

The Busy Body is also showing at the Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond, London on Sunday 26 January 2025 at 3pm.

Book tickets via orangetreetheatre.co.uk.

£10 and £5 for students

£10