St. Patrick's Day; Or, The Scheming Lieutenant: A Farce in One Act

"St. Patrick's Day; Or, The Scheming Lieutenant: A Farce in One Act" by Sheridan is a comedic play written in the late 18th century. It falls under the category of farce, a genre characterized by exaggerated and improbable situations designed to provoke laughter. The story revolves around themes of love, deception, and social critique, primarily focusing on the misadventures of a soldier aiming to win the heart of a young woman against the backdrop of a humorous conflict with her father. The plot follows Lieutenant O'Connor who, disguised as a simple servant named Humphrey, attempts to win the affection of Lauretta, the daughter of Justice Credulous, who dislikes soldiers. The lieutenant is supported by the comical Dr. Rosy and his fellow soldiers, who add to the chaos. As O'Connor and Rosy's plan unfolds, misunderstandings and comedic encounters ensue, culminating in confusion over O'Connor's identity and intentions. Ultimately, the farce culminates in a comical resolution that mocks authority figures while celebrating the themes of love and loyalty, all wrapped in light-hearted humor. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Richard Brinsley Butler Sheridan was an Anglo-Irish playwright, writer and Whig politician who sat in the British House of Commons from 1780 to 1812, representing the constituencies of Stafford, Westminster and Ilchester. The owner of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in London, he wrote several prominent plays such as The Rivals (1775), The Duenna (1775), The School for Scandal (1777) and A Trip to Scarborough (1777). He served as Treasurer of the Navy from 1806 to 1807. Sheridan died in 1816 and was buried at Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey. His plays remain a central part of the Western canon and are regularly performed around the world.