This 1-act version of the oldest play in English is hilarious. Ralph thinks he is a lady's man and chooses Dame Custance as the lady. But she can't stand the conceited nincompoop. Their tempestuous courtship, complicated by a mischievous meddler and Custance's cute servant-girls, rocks the stage in this historically important play.

Ralph, printed by Nicholas Udall in 1566, is considered the oldest play in English. Similar to earlier Roman comedies, the setting is the space between two houses, and the main character is a wealthy but not-so-bright hero prodded by a wise but not-so-wealthy parasite.

One act; Place, London street; Time, 16th century. The Director's Script gives full stage directions, costume sketches, characterizations, and other information.

After receiving the highest rating at the Montana State Festival, Calvin Wahl of Hamilton High School wrote: "We had such an enjoyable time putting on Roister Doister that every moment was treasured."

"Your cutting of the play cannot be praised too highly. It has offered our students a new and exciting dramatic experience."—Ardmore, Pennsylvania

"I desperately need something different for a senior play."—Stockton, Ill. (They chose Ralph Roister Doister and Gammer Gurton's Needle, the second oldest play.)

"We are happy to say that we won our middle school play competition with this piece [Ralph Roister Doister]. Our community is so excited with our performance that they have asked us to perform it one more time."—Jenae Glanton, Director-Theatre Arts, Vivian Fields Middle School, Farmers Branch, Texas.

See also: Adaptations of Ancient Scripts