LibriVox recording of The Way of the World, by William Congreve.

The Way of the World is a play written by British playwright William Congreve. It premiered in 1700 in the theatre in Lincoln's Inn Fields in London. It is widely regarded as being one of the best Restoration comedies written and is still performed sporadically to this day.

The play is based around the two lovers Mirabell and Millamant (originally famously played by John Verbruggen and Anne Bracegirdle). In order for the two to get married and receive Millamant's full dowry, Mirabell must receive the blessing of Millamant's aunt, Lady Wishfort. Unfortunately, she is a very bitter lady, who despises Mirabell and wants her own nephew, Sir Wilful, to wed Millamant.

Other characters include Fainall who is having a secret affair with Mrs. Marwood, a friend of Mrs. Fainall's, who in turn once had an affair with Mirabell.

Waitwell is Mirabell's servant and is married to Foible, Lady Wishfort's servant. Waitwell pretends to be Sir Rowland and, on Mirabell's command, tries to trick Lady Wishfort into a false engagement. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Cast:
Mirabell: bish
Fainall: DublinGothic
Betty: Lucy Perry
Footman; Messenger; Coachman: Phil Chenevert
Witwoud: thebicyclethief
Petulant: Martin Geeson
Mrs Fainall: Carol Box
Mrs Marwood: Helen Falconer
Mincing: Bev J. Stevens
Waitwell: Nigel Boydell
Foible: Malane
Lady Wishfort: Mil Nicholson
Peg: Maria Calderazzo
Mrs Millamant: Liberty Stump
Sir Wilfull Witwoud: Bob Gonzalez
Narrator: Algy Pug

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M4B audio book (85mb)

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