Bold Stroke for a Husband (1783)
Hannah Cowley’s Bold Stroke for a Husband has been a popular favorite from our ETC list with productions at companies such as Island Shakespeare Festival and Theater in the Open.
Taming of the Shrew Meets Twelfth Night in Bold Stroke for a Husband with hijinks, cross dressing, and many women trying to get the best of the men around them. If you are looking for a classic comedy with modern feminist attitudes and many ways to scare off suitors, this is the play for you!
‘Bold Stroke’ at Island Shakespeare Festival, 2023
Fun Fact: Hannah Cowley originally began writing for the stage because she went with her husband to see a play and said “Well I could write so well myself!”
We think we should all let some of Hannah’s confidence seep into our lives!
A Career-Ending Scandal
Have you ever been to a friend’s play and thought “hmm this seems a lot like something I wrote last year”? Well that happened to Hannah Cowley. TWICE!
Hannah Cowley (1743-1809) was in a lengthy pamphlet-duel with fellow ETC playwright Hannah More (The Fatal Falsehood). They both accused the other of plagiarizing, with Cowley alleging that at least TWO of More’s plays were plagiarized from her own. We at ETC are not taking sides 🤭
The scandal was so rough that Hannah More stopped writing. BUT NOT HANNAH COWLEY! Cowley wrote 15 plays in her lifetime and achieved great popularity in Britain during the 18th Century.
Don’t Miss the Upcoming Reading of Bold Stroke
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE BELOW 🤩
🗓 When: Monday, February 9, 2026
📍Where: The Public Theater
Join Expand the Canon for a partnership reading in The Acting Company’s 2026 Reading Series! Directed by ETC Artistic Director, Emily Lyon and featuring an incredible cast that you will not want to miss 👀
In Partnership with
Bold Stroke for a Husband will be presented as a ONE NIGHT ONLY READING Off-Broadway at The Public Theater.
🙌 ETC Discount Code 🙌
Use Code ETC at check out for $15 OFF your ticket!
Reserve your spot before the show sells out!
P.S. Not in NYC & Dying for more Cowley?
American Shakespeare Center in Virginia is presenting a full production of Bold Stroke April 9-May 2.
Bold Stroke for Everyone! Get your tickets early!