Put Your Dukes Up

At the heart of this imagined encounter, in 1950, between two titans of historical romance, the meticulous Georgette Heyer and the flamboyant Barbara Cartland, lies an accusation of plagiarism.

Where lies the line between creativity and imitation?

The setting reflects the stark contrast between the two icons - Heyer’s orderly study, steeped in scholarly research, against Cartland’s lively workspace, brimming with the chaos of dictated novels. From Heyer’s mock fencing sessions with her husband to Cartland’s musings on romance and reincarnation, their opposing personalities come to life, as they seek to find weaknesses in the other’s armour before that deadliest of encounters – afternoon tea with biscuits, When the two meet, polite pleasantries quickly give way to sharp exchanges. Heyer presents a compelling case for plagiarism, pointing out uncanny similarities between their works, down to the exact phrases that define the Regency romance genre. Cartland, ever defiant, defends herself with flamboyant claims and a shrewd understanding of audience desires, until a critical slip forces her into retreat.

As the dust settles, both women confront the roles they play in crafting escapist worlds for readers hungry for love and happy endings. Heyer emerges triumphant but conflicted, while Cartland, though bested, remains unapologetic. They both, though, believe that their romances will bring succour to women in a post-war world where traditional roles are under threat.

The play, with a mix of drama and comedy, celebrates the enduring allure of romance in a literary showdown - where pens, not swords, decide the victor.

Host or Publisher FreshFest 2025