The Scaring off of Teddy Dawson: A Comedy in One Act

In a cramped East End sitting‑room, the evening light filters through a single window as Polly Bettesworth irons in a threadbare dress. Her husband Andrew bursts in, beer jug in hand, fuming over the rumor that their teenage daughter Liza has attracted a suitor named Teddy Dawson. Their exchange crackles with sharp Cockney humor and a fierce protectiveness that sets the scene for a showdown.

Determined to drive the boy away, Andrew boasts of belt‑whipping threats while Polly tries to temper his violence with wary counsel. When Liza arrives, dressed in flashy shoes and bright feathers, the family’s meddling takes on a comic edge, each character delivering rapid, colloquial banter. The one‑act play offers a lively portrait of working‑class life, blending gritty realism with bright, farcical moments that keep listeners smiling.