Ostensibly a romantic comedy, it has been added to the canon of feminist theatre because it critiques many contemporary social issues including sweated labour, homelessness, sexual double standards and the nature of marriage.
Act One takes place in the workers' dingy dormitory, the shopgirls prepare for bed whilst discussing their harsh working conditions.
The play opened at the Kingsway Theatre in London, on Wednesday 12 February 1908, with Lena Ashwell in the title role.
[1] In 1908 and 1909 four other companies toured Britain with the play, and productions were scheduled in the United States, Australia and South Africa.
[1] Diana of Dobson's was revived at the Orange Tree Theatre at Richmond in 2007, with a cast including Edward Bennett.