Hannah Cowley

The Belle's Stratagem is a romantic comedy that was the most successful work of the playwright, Hannah Cowley. The play has a double plotline that concerns the romance between Letitia Hardy and Doricourt, as well as the relationship between Sir George Touchwood and his wife, Lady Frances Touchwood. The comedy received wide fame after its premiere on February 22, 1780, presented by David Garrick, filling the 2,000-seat Drury Lane theatre. At its time, the play became a major hit of the season, with Queen Charlotte enjoying it so much that she decreed it is performed for the royal family once a season for several years.