The City Bride (1696) Or, The Merry Cuckold

Set against the bustling backdrop of a seventeenth‑century metropolis, the drama follows Annabel, a spirited young woman whose marriage becomes a battlefield of wits and expectations. When rumors of infidelity swirl, she must navigate a tangled web of suitors, jealous rivals, and the ever‑present pressure to uphold honor. The first act introduces a lively cast of characters—boisterous friends, scheming servants, and a charismatic sea‑captain—each adding layers of humor and tension to the impending nuptial showdown.

Written in crisp prose that captures the rhythm of Restoration comedy, the play balances sharp dialogue with moments of genuine feeling. A standout sea‑fight scene showcases the author’s flair for vivid, almost theatrical description, while the underlying theme of fidelity gives the story a timeless resonance. Listeners will enjoy the lively banter, the clever twists of circumstance, and the way the narrative gently probes the expectations of love and loyalty in an era of elaborate social games.