Bird Grove by Alexi Kaye Campbell is a comedy of manners set in 1841. A portly suitor, Horace, arrives at a respectable house intending to propose to a rebellious and brilliant 22-year-old, Mary Ann. Horace’s father is dying and he must find a bride before nightfall or lose a substantial legacy.

This ludicrous but very human situation starts the play. It’s instantly gripping. Mary Ann is in the drawing room being treated for headaches by a French mesmerist along with two wealthy radicals, Mr and Mrs Bray, who encourage her political activism. Her father, Robert, introduces his guests to each other and invites them to stay for tea.

This fascinating glimpse of her early life shows George Eliot as a surly, arrogant, spoilt and heartless pest

This fascinating glimpse of her early life shows George Eliot as a surly, arrogant, spoilt and heartless pest

A hilariously awkward party ensues. Horace is desperate to get Mary Ann alone for a moment but the rules of etiquette are against him. When Mary Ann retreats to the kitchen to butter more bread, Horace makes his move but he’s intercepted by the formidable Mrs Bray, who dislikes and mistrusts him. It’s an agonisingly funny encounter. Horace leaves the house, rebuffed and alone.

In the next scene, Mary Ann informs her........

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