An Honourable Gentleman

Synopsis

Love plays a hand in all the goings on in this delightful dramedy, complete with intrigue and adventure, villainy and heroism, a sprinkling of wit and charm, loyal friendships’ and redemption. 

A night of diversion changes the course of John Carstares’ life when he takes the blame for a marked playing card.  Shunned by society he has lived the past seven years by dice and highway robbery.  When one such encounter goes awry, he finds himself handcuffed and at the mercy of an old friend, who urges him to clear his name and claim his title.  Unwilling to jeopardise the happiness of his brother for whom he took the blame, John refuses and returns to his outlaw life. 

‘My dear, once a man gets an idea into his head, ‘tis the very devil to get it out of him’

Once again roaming the highroad, John foils the abduction of the lovely Diana Beauleigh, by an old enemy, the devious Duke of Andover.  John is injured in the shoulder during the encounter and Diana, very properly, falls in love with her wounded rescuer.  Despite being desperately in love, the honourable John will not offer for Diana and she is left distraught when he rides away.

JOHN              Why don’t I ask her? Because I will not offer her a smirched name! Because I love her so much that…How can you ask me such a question?  For what do you take me?

MILES             A chivalrous fool.

Heartbroken but resolute, John thinks that chapter of his life closed until fate takes a hand.  Unwilling to be bested, the Duke of Andover plots once again to abduct Diana and is this time successful. 

‘We are in terrible trouble and none other can help us.’

Can John save his beloved Diana in time, and in so doing, save his future?

Recreating the feel of the great romantic adventures of the movie matinee shows, this piece can be performed with as little or as much in the way of set, properties or spectacle as you prefer.  Suiting traditional staging as well as outdoor performance, this joyous romp through the romantic and chivalrous nineteenth century will leave your audiences laughing and sighing in delight.