The Gamester

by Edward Moore

"The Gamester (1753)" is an 18th-century play by an English dramatist and writer Edward Moore. His "Gamester" is a domestic drama, highlighting how the problem of gambling can ruin family life. It tells of the Beverley family, in which the husband is a weak, easily manipulated, simple man who feels guilty about his ruining habit but does nothing to alter it. The wife is a typical woman allowing this all to happen. The scenes are full of suspense and drama, which makes the play an interesting read. Notably, "The Gamester" was the first play in the English drama depicting regular people rather than exalted subjects taken from history and mythology.

Genres: Plays

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1753

About the author

English dramatist and writer, long time in the English-speaking world for his domestics Tragedy The Gamester (1753 ) was known. Two of his plays and a collection of poems have been translated into German in the 18th century.

Reviews

[T.J. Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free Audio Play of The Gamester by Edward Moore to download or to listen to online:
https://librivox.org/the-gamester-by-...

Cast list:
Beverley: ToddHW
Lewson: TJ Burns
Stukely: Tomas Peter
Jarvis: Alan Mapstone
Bates: Joseph Tabler
Dawson: Son of the Exiles
Mrs. Beverley: Linda Olsen Fitak
Charlotte: Eva Davis
Lucy: Sonia
Waiter: Nemo
Narrator: Rob Board
Editor: Tomas Peter

Genre(s): Tragedy

Language: English

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gamester was first performed at the Drury Lane Theater in 1753. Though largely unknown today, it marked a turning point in English tragedy by depicting regular contemporary people rather than exalted subjects taken from history and mythology. There is really nothing noble about this cast of characters. The Beverleys in particular are one of the most pathetic couples I have ever encountered in fiction. He's a sniveling, easily manipulated little shit whose gambling brings ruin to his entire family. He constantly moans about guilty he feels yet does nothing to amend his behavior. Meanwhile, she is completely spineless and the very definition of an enabler. This audiobook's voice actors only reinforced this impression: ToddHW came across as an overwrought boy and Linda Olsen Fitak sounded like an old woman constantly on the verge of tears and hysteria, which was incredibly grating to listen to. (Mrs. Beverely is actually described in the play as young, pretty, and possessing the patience of a saint.) Stukely was a great, scheming villain, though, and Tomas Peter did a fine job with the role. TJ Burns likewise did a very good gruff hero as Lewson.

So obviously, the play is quite a melodrama and I agree with the assessment that it is no great work of art. The story is nevertheless a compelling, suspenseful one, as you can't help but wonder how much lower Beverley can go and drag everyone with him. There is also a big twist at the end that I did not see coming at all.

[Bettie]

The Gamester - A tragedy by Edward Moore