Hardcastle, a man of substance, looks forward to acquainting his daughter with his old pal’s son, Marlow, with a view to marriage.

But thanks to playboy Lumpkin, who ensures a series of mistaken identities, Hardcastle is mistaken by Marlow for an innkeeper and his daughter for the local barmaid.

The good news is that Marlow can barely speak to a woman of quality, yet with women of lower class, he’s a real charmer. So, as Hardcastle’s indignation intensifies, Miss Hardcastle’s appreciation for her misguided suitor soars as misdemeanours multiply, love blossoms and mayhem ensues.   By Oliver Goldsmith

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