
In this brisk one‑act farce, newlyweds Edwin and Ethel find themselves perched on a seaside balcony, arguing over the most trivial of things—yawns, the length of their marriage, and the ever‑present moon. Their rapid‑fire exchanges turn everyday observations into absurd philosophical debates, revealing a marriage that teeters between affectionate banter and bewildering irritation. The setting—a hotel room that looks out onto an unchanging horizon—serves as a perfect backdrop for their exaggerated complaints about scenery, sunshine, and the monotony of domestic life.
As the couple spirals through witty retorts about “a little change” and the paradox of paradise, a handful of peripheral characters—Captain Plunger, Mrs. Plunger, and a bemused waiter—occasionally interrupt, heightening the chaos. Their interactions capture the essence of classic farce: quick wit, exaggerated emotions, and a playful critique of marital conventions, all delivered in a single, tightly wound scene that leaves listeners laughing at the delightful absurdity of everyday love.
Language
en
Duration
~35 minutes (34K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Paul Haxo with special thanks to Jarndyce Antiquarian Booksellers.
Release date
2014-06-20
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1848–1914
A sharp, prolific Victorian dramatist, he built his reputation on stage comedies and adaptations that traveled widely across the English-speaking world. He is also remembered for writing librettos for comic operas, including Haddon Hall.
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