‘The Witlings’ by Frances Burney

Genre: Comedy Play

Does a play count as a book review? Well, I guess we could argue if I’ve only ever read it and never seen it performed, then yes! What's even more peculiar is how the playwright never saw their play performed; perhaps, because she was a woman during the 18th century.

‘The Witlings’ is a satirical contemporary 18th-century play surrounding a group of characters who represent the different aspects of 18th-century life, whether politically, socially, economically, or culturally. Despite the nearly three centuries time difference, I found this play very funny! Some comedy can transcend time to still be relatable even centuries on, for example, Mrs. Voluble will not stop incessantly talking nonsense, and everyone getting frustrated at her is something even today we can all relate to, whether it is us or someone we know.

It is not just the comedic aspect that I loved, it was the narrative too; there is a star-crossed lover's romance plot, a snobbish literature club, a milliner’s shop (clothes boutique), and a plagiaristic poet. Obviously knowing the context of the time period will bring out the subtleties and nuances in the comedy and references, but I believe that anyone could pick up this play and enjoy it; there is something in the way that Burney writes her characters that makes them come to life, even now, and I think that is what makes it a great play even now.

You’re probably still wondering what I meant by Burney having never seen her own play performed. Well if you need any more reason to buy and read this play this is it. Due to the satiric nature of Burney’s play, her father, Dr. Burney, and her mentor, Mr. Crisp, censored her play and did not allow her to publish it. They were fearful that the literature club was too similar to the Bluestockings club, which had a very influential leading, Mrs. Montagu. Dr. Burney did not want the play to offend and hence lose the respect of Mrs. Montagu, both for Burney and himself, so he censored the play.

Doesn’t seem very fair, does it? And this is why I love this play even more, it is such a good play, and to have it never performed in Burney’s lifetime is heartbreaking. So, would I recommend this play: yes, absolutely! If not for the pure funniness for the justice of Burney’s writing abilities that never got to be shown.

Rating: * * * *