The Maid of the Oaks
Encyclopedia
The Maid of the Oaks is a comedy play by the British
playwright
and soldier John Burgoyne
. It was first staged by David Garrick
at Drury Lane Theatre on 5 November 1774. The set designs
were by the artist Philip James de Loutherbourg
. It was Burgoyne's first work, and he went on to write three further plays following his service in the American War of Independence. The title is a specific reference to Burgoyne's house near Epson which was called The Oaks.
Kingdom of Great Britain
The former Kingdom of Great Britain, sometimes described as the 'United Kingdom of Great Britain', That the Two Kingdoms of Scotland and England, shall upon the 1st May next ensuing the date hereof, and forever after, be United into One Kingdom by the Name of GREAT BRITAIN. was a sovereign...
playwright
Playwright
A playwright, also called a dramatist, is a person who writes plays.The term is not a variant spelling of "playwrite", but something quite distinct: the word wright is an archaic English term for a craftsman or builder...
and soldier John Burgoyne
John Burgoyne
General John Burgoyne was a British army officer, politician and dramatist. He first saw action during the Seven Years' War when he participated in several battles, mostly notably during the Portugal Campaign of 1762....
. It was first staged by David Garrick
David Garrick
David Garrick was an English actor, playwright, theatre manager and producer who influenced nearly all aspects of theatrical practice throughout the 18th century and was a pupil and friend of Dr Samuel Johnson...
at Drury Lane Theatre on 5 November 1774. The set designs
Scenic design
Scenic design is the creation of theatrical, as well as film or television scenery. Scenic designers have traditionally come from a variety of artistic backgrounds, but nowadays, generally speaking, they are trained professionals, often with M.F.A...
were by the artist Philip James de Loutherbourg
Philip James de Loutherbourg
Philip James de Loutherbourg, also seen as Philippe-Jacques and Philipp Jakob and with the appellation the Younger was an English artist of German origin who became known for his elaborate set designs for London theatres.-Early life:He was born in Strasbourg, where his father, the representative...
. It was Burgoyne's first work, and he went on to write three further plays following his service in the American War of Independence. The title is a specific reference to Burgoyne's house near Epson which was called The Oaks.