The Schoolmistress: A Farce in Three Acts

"The Schoolmistress: A Farce in Three Acts" by Arthur Wing Pinero is a funny play that takes place mostly at Volumnia College, a boarding school for girls. The story follows the school's principal, Miss Dyott, as she leaves for a trip. This triggers a series of funny problems, especially ones connected to her strange husband. We meet lively students like Dinah, who’s in love with Reginald, and Peggy, who is committed to helping her friend with her love life. The play opens with servants gossiping about Miss Dyott’s odd departure and the secret of her husband. The girls at the school are both excited and worried about their principal leaving them. They are also determined to help Dinah, who is secretly married to Reginald Paulover, to get back together with him, even if her parents, Admiral and Mrs. Rankling, don't like it. The way the girls talk and act shows their personalities and how loyal they are to each other. The play promises lots of comedy, as secrets and misunderstandings create social craziness to keep audiences entertained.