A Lover by Proxy

A Lover by Proxy is a burletta in one act by Dion Boucicault[1] (1820/1822? – 1890). The play is also referred to in various publications as "a comedietta" or "a farce".

The original text

It was one of Boucicault's earliest works, probably written 1840 and first performed to moderate success at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket in London on Thursday April 21st, 1842. Published in London the same year as No. 102 of Webster's series Acting National Drama.

Performance history in South Africa

1850: Performed by the 73rd Regiment (Garrison Players, generally known as "Captain Hall's Company") in the Garrison Theatre on Wednesday 29th May, with The Lancers (Payne), My Daughter, Sir!, or A Daughter to Marry (Planché) as well as My Young Wife and My Old Umbrella (Webster). (A confusing misprint on page 398 in Bosman, 1928[2]], or an error in the original source, seems to suggest that the company would be doing a "the Comedietta, in two Acts, by D.Boucicault, Esq., A Lover by Proxy! or My Daughter Sir! (Planché)". Clearly they did two one-act farces, not a two-act farce by two authors!)