The Courtship of Winifred Edwards (Or: The Handkerchief Play)

by Maggie Smith

Set in 1890s America, The Courtship of Winifred Edwards (Or: The Handkerchief Play) tells the story of two families in the process of becoming one. When Winifred leaves her handkerchief at a dinner party, Anthony Tailor becomes convinced she did so as a means of gaining his attention. He enlists his cousin, Georgia, to help him return the handkerchief and scout out Winifred's feelings for him.
​
But it's never...

Set in 1890s America, The Courtship of Winifred Edwards (Or: The Handkerchief Play) tells the story of two families in the process of becoming one. When Winifred leaves her handkerchief at a dinner party, Anthony Tailor becomes convinced she did so as a means of gaining his attention. He enlists his cousin, Georgia, to help him return the handkerchief and scout out Winifred's feelings for him.
​
But it's never that simple, is it?

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The Courtship of Winifred Edwards (Or: The Handkerchief Play)

Recommended by

  • Ryan Vaughan: The Courtship of Winifred Edwards (Or: The Handkerchief Play) by Maggie Smith
    “

    A home run of a play that discusses societal expectations, finding our own paths in the world, and above all LOVE. This play has a plot line that keeps you on your toes, humor that keeps you smiling and laughing, and relatable characters that you truly want the best for (yes even the ones who get in the protagonist's ways). This would be a joy to see staged. Well done.

    A home run of a play that discusses societal expectations, finding our own paths in the world, and above all LOVE. This play has a plot line that keeps you on your toes, humor that keeps you smiling and laughing, and relatable characters that you truly want the best for (yes even the ones who get in the protagonist's ways). This would be a joy to see staged. Well done.

    ”
  • James Perry: The Courtship of Winifred Edwards (Or: The Handkerchief Play) by Maggie Smith
    “

    The Handkerchief Play by Maggie Smith is a captivating exploration of love and societal expectations in 1890s New York. With well-drawn characters like the independent Winifred and the witty Georgia, the play masterfully intertwines humor and romance. The hidden love affair between Winifred and Georgia is both tender and revolutionary, culminating in a heartwarming and triumphant conclusion. Maggie Smith's vivid writing brings the Victorian setting to life, making this play a delightful read that celebrates individuality and love. I highly recommend this play for its engaging storyline and...

    The Handkerchief Play by Maggie Smith is a captivating exploration of love and societal expectations in 1890s New York. With well-drawn characters like the independent Winifred and the witty Georgia, the play masterfully intertwines humor and romance. The hidden love affair between Winifred and Georgia is both tender and revolutionary, culminating in a heartwarming and triumphant conclusion. Maggie Smith's vivid writing brings the Victorian setting to life, making this play a delightful read that celebrates individuality and love. I highly recommend this play for its engaging storyline and rich character development.

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    ”

Character Information

As a writer, I am dedicated to creating diverse worlds onstage. Some of the most defining moments of my life involve me seeing myself represented onstage, television, or in literature. Because of this, I highly recommend casting this play diversely in regards to race, gender identity, and disability. You won’t be depicting the real world if you ignore this request.


This is acknowledging, however, that some roles are specific in the way they must be casted. In this play, the following roles have these limitations:


WINIFRED and GEORGIA must be played by women.
  • CLARENCE
    Georgia’s uncle, Anthony’s father; generous and intelligent
    40s
    Any Race
    Man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • ANTHONY
    Clarence’s son, Georgia’s cousin; a romantic, chasing love
    23
    Any Race
    Man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • GEORGIA
    Clarence’s niece, Anthony’s cousin; quick-witted and sarcastic
    21
    Any Race
    woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • GRANVILLE
    the Edwards family’s father; kind, honest, and straightforward
    40s
    Any Race
    Man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • ELEANORA
    the Edwards family’s mother; desperate for perfect daughters and a happy home
    40s
    Any Race
    woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • OTTILIE
    the Edwards family’s youngest daughter; a gossip who’s interested in anything you have to say
    19
    Any Race
    woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • WINIFRED
    the Edwards family’s oldest daughter; independent, full of energy, not looking for love
    21
    Any Race
    woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • CHARLOTTE
    the Woods' family’s only daughter; a busybody who’s friends with everyone
    19
    Any Race
    woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • VICTOR
    the Woods' family’s only son; charismatic, always found lounging where he ought to not be
    24
    Any Race
    Man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male