SOURCE: Stathas, Thalia. Introduction to A Bold Stroke for a Wife, edited by Thalia Stathas, pp. xi-xxvi. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1968.

In the following excerpt, Stathas discusses the stage history and sources for A Bold Stroke for a Wife, one of Centlivre's most successful plays. Stathas identifies plotting and realistic dialogue as the strengths of the play and links it to the gentler style of wit associated with sentimental comedy.

A Bold Stroke for a Wife was first produced at Lincoln's Inn Fields on February 3, 1718.¹ It was performed six times, almost consecutively, with Christopher Bullock playing Fainwell, the comedy's most demanding part. Despite initial success, it was not performed again until 1724, and then not in London but on Epsom Walks by a company of strolling actors.² Lincoln's Inn Fields revived the play, “Not Acted these Ten Years,” on April 23, 1728, with Milward as Fainwell. For the next decade...