Princess Ida - Synopsis

Once upon a time in a far off kingdom, a beautiful daughter was born to King Gama (and his Queen!). They Christened her Ida. On her first birthday, Ida was betrothed to one year old Hilarion from the neighbouring kingdom. It was agreed that at her coming of age, Ida would fulfill her destiny as Hilarion's bride.

Act 1

It is Princess Ida's 21st birthday, and the court of King Hildebrand (Prince Hilarion's father) awaits the arrival of King Gama with Ida. At the appointed time only, Gama turns up, with his three sons as bodyguards. Despite Hildebrand's welcome, Gama piles insults on him. Gama explains that Ida has shut herself in Castle Adamant, where she has founded a Women's University (no men allowed, on pains of death). Hildebrand declares that Gama and his sons must remain hostage until Ida accepts her marriage to Hilarion - if she will not, the hostages will be hanged.

Act 2a

In the grounds of Castle Adamant, some students await Ida's inaugural address for the new term. Lecturer Lady Psyche preaches Ida's belief that "Man is Nature's Sole Mistake". Ida arrives and, praying to Minerva (Goddess of Virginity and War) to help her in her task, address the students. Lady Blanche challenges Ida's authority, making clear her desire to be in charge (and showing distinct signs of instability!). Into the now empty grounds climbs Hilarion with friends Cyril and Florian. After mocking the principle of education for women, they are distracted from their mission (to fetch Ida) by the new undergraduate gowns, and decide to dress up, as a lark. No sooner have they done so than ida appears and they find themselves enrolled as new (female) undergraduates. Ida leaves and Psyche enters - Florian recognises her as his long lost sister and, much to her amusement, the three take her into their confidence. The four are observed by Melissa, who, falling madly in love with Florian, promises not to breath a word. These five are just going indoors when Lady Blanche angrily summons her daughter, Melissa, demanding an explanation. Melissa takes advantage of Blanche's ambitions, persuading her to "Wink at it" and keep quiet. As the Luncheon Bell rings, Florian asks Melissa to run away with him.

Act 2b

At Luncheon, Cyril becomes drunk and (to the secret amusement of Psyche and Blanche) sings a crude kissing song. When Hilarion and Florian try to silence him, he gives the game away. Ida, horrified, backs away and falls into the stream. Hilarion "rescues" her and pleads for mercy, but in vain. Suddenly the castle is stormed by Hildebrand and some of his troops - they bring Ida's brothers in an attepmt to make her see reason. On her refusal, war is declared.

Act 3

Adamant students man the battlements, but are very loathe to fight, or have anything to do with battle. When a "tortured" Gama arrives to ask Ida to let her brothers represent her in combat with Hilarion, Cyril and Florian, she reluctantly agrees. Despite a very unfair advantage, Ida's brothers are defeated and Ida, to save them, declares to everyone's amazement that she has been wrong. She hands over the university to Lady Blanche. Upon seeing Cyril with Psyche, and Florian with Melissa, Ida admits her love for Hilarion.

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