A Day Well Spent: A Farce, in One Act

"A Day Well Spent: A Farce, in One Act" by John Oxenford is a comedic play written during the early 19th century. It features a lively mix of characters, including haughty gentlemen, a strict father, and adventurous young ladies, all caught up in various romantic pursuits and misunderstandings. The play explores themes of love, deception, and the comedic pitfalls of social interactions in a light-hearted manner. The storyline revolves around Mr. Cotton, a hosier who wishes to keep a tight grip on his daughter Harriet’s romantic prospects. As he leaves to meet a wealthy uncle, his apprentices, Bolt and Mizzle, take the opportunity to enjoy a day of fun outside the shop. Meanwhile, Cutaway, a suitor, tries to woo Harriet, leading to humorous entanglements when mistaken identities and disguises complicate the narrative. The farce culminates in a series of misunderstandings, romantic twists, and an eventual reconciliation, leaving the characters realizing that despite the chaos, the day's mishaps have brought them closer to their desired outcomes.