Frances Boothby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frances Boothby
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| Occupation | playwright |
| Language | English |
| Years active | 1669–1670 |
| Notable work | Marcelia, or, The Treacherous Friend (1670) |
 Literature portal |
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Frances Boothby was an English writer who lived in the late 1600s. She made history as the first woman to have a play performed professionally in London. Her most famous work is a play called Marcelia, or, The Treacherous Friend.
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About Frances Boothby
We don't know much about Frances Boothby's early life. Some people think she might have been the daughter of Walter Boothby. He was a successful merchant who had connections with important families.
Her Famous Play: Marcelia
Frances Boothby is best known for her play Marcelia, or, The Treacherous Friend. It was a type of play called a tragicomedy. This means it had serious parts like a tragedy, but it ended happily, avoiding a sad ending. The play was first performed in August 1669. It was put on by a group called the King's Company at the Theatre Royal in London.
When the play was published in 1670, Boothby dedicated it to Lady Mary Yate. Lady Mary lived at Harvington Hall in Worcestershire. Frances Boothby called Lady Mary her relative.
What Marcelia is About
The story of Marcelia is about love and betrayal. The plot involves a king who leaves his lover to chase after the main female character, Marcelia. This causes many problems and misunderstandings. However, by the end of the play, everything is sorted out. This prevents the story from becoming a full tragedy.
Some people at the time might have seen parts of the play as a gentle criticism of King Charles II. This kind of mild criticism of the king was common back then.
Other Works
Frances Boothby also wrote a poem. It was for her cousin, Anne Somerset. In the poem, Boothby wrote about her play not doing as well as she hoped. However, one expert believes the play actually had "some success." She also left behind a collection of recipes.
Her Published Work
- Marcelia: or the Treacherous Friend. A Tragicomedy. This play was performed by the King's Company. It was published in London in 1670. You can read it online here: Etext, British Library
