What Every Woman Knows
by J.M. Barrie
by J.M. Barrie
What Every Woman Knows explores the complexities of marriage and ambition as a woman helps her husband rise politically, questioning the role of love and sacrifice.
About The Play
About The Play
Time Out Critics’ Choice
★★★★ Four Stars, The Times
★★★★ Four Stars, Time Out
★★★★ Four Stars, The Public Reviews
Maggie Wylie is a woman without charm. But when her brothers catch penniless student John Shand breaking into the family home to read their books, a bizarre bargain is struck – if the Wylie’s fund John’s education, he will marry Maggie.
John’s ascent of the political ladder earns him powerful friends and the affection of the beautiful Lady Sybil Tenterden. Maggie is determined to act differently from other wives if her husband falls in love, but how will John react when he discovers that his wife, not her money, has been the making of him?
What Every Woman Knows has been seen as an expression of Barrie’s support for the public struggle of the suffragettes to gain women the vote, as well as a deeply moving portrayal of the secrets which keep a marriage alive.