When a husband and wife find themselves running against each other in a high-stakes Parliamentary election, the political instantly becomes hilariously personal.
Written in 1911 against the backdrop of the booming Suffragette movement, The Master of Mrs. Chilvers is a remarkably forward-thinking, sharp-witted political comedy that showcases Jerome K. Jerome's engagement with the defining social issues of his day. The story centers on the Chilvers household: Mr. Chilvers is a prominent politician running for office, assuming his supportive wife will stand quietly by his side.
However, when a sudden twist in the law allows women to stand for election, Mrs. Chilvers decides to throw her own hat into the ring, directly opposing her husband! What follows is an absolute media circus and a riotous domestic battle as the couple campaigns across the country, debating gender equality, voting rights, and household chores on the public stage.
Far ahead of its time, this brilliant play reads like a vintage blend of The West Wing and a classic romantic comedy. The Master of Mrs. Chilvers offers a witty, progressive, and thoroughly entertaining look at the battle for equality that remains incredibly relevant and delightful today.