Quiet Wedding (play)
Quiet Wedding is a comedy play by Dodie Smith, first performed in 1938. The play centers around the preparations for and the events of a wedding in rural England. The focus is on the eccentric and often chaotic behaviour of the members of the bride's and groom's families, rather than a grand romantic love story.
The play became a popular stage production in the late 1930s and 1940s, known for its lighthearted humour and relatable characters. The plot revolves around the anxieties and mishaps that occur as a result of the varied personalities and social expectations surrounding the wedding day. The bride, Janet, finds herself in a state of near-panic amidst the mounting pressures and absurd situations.
A film adaptation, also titled Quiet Wedding, was released in 1941, further cementing the play's popularity. The film retained the spirit of the original play and featured many of the same comedic elements.
The success of Quiet Wedding led to a sequel play, Quiet Weekend, which followed the family after the wedding. Both plays established Dodie Smith as a successful playwright known for her witty dialogue and observation of British family life.