You Never Can Tell

"You Never Can Tell" by George Bernard Shaw is a play written in the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds in a seaside dentist's operating room, establishing the comedic tone and capturing the social dynamics of the era. The plot introduces us to charming and forthright characters, particularly the young lady Dorothy (Dolly) Clandon and her brother Philip, who engage with the newly established dentist, Valentine. Their playful banter hints at themes of identity, family, and social conventions. The opening of the play presents a lively scene set in the dentist's office, where the dentist is treating the spirited young lady, Dolly, who displays a mix of boldness and curiosity. The exchange between Dolly and Valentine sets a light-hearted and teasing atmosphere, showcasing Dolly's engaging personality. Soon after, her brother Phil enters, and together they reveal their family's eccentricities, including a mystery surrounding their father that both intrigues and frustrates them. As the conversation evolves, we learn about their mother, Mrs. Clandon, and her insistence on honesty and independence, ultimately leading to a web of comedic misunderstandings around family ties that promises to unfold in the ensuing acts. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George Bernard Shaw, known at his insistence as Bernard Shaw, was an Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist. His influence on Western theatre, culture and politics extended from the 1880s to his death and beyond. He wrote more than sixty plays, including major works such as Man and Superman (1902), Pygmalion (1913) and Saint Joan (1923). With a range incorporating both contemporary satire and historical allegory, Shaw became the leading dramatist of his generation, and in 1925 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.