London Assurance

by Dion Boucicault

Sir Harcourt Courtly leaves the city for a couple of days to take a bride who will do his wealth a world of good. But his son, evading the repercussions of his debauched lifestyle, arrived before him and has already fallen in love with his young mother-to-be.

Lady Gay Spanker tries to distract Sir Harcourt, on behalf of the young lovers, with an elopement. This adds to the confusion, given that she is visiting her father, and uncle of the bride-to-be, with her husband.

Needless to say, all of this is a gross over-simplification, ignoring the distractions and contributions made by the freeloading Dazzle, and the money grabbing local lawyer. But, of course, it all turns out for the best in the end...and is all very much wilder than Wilde.