The story of the beautiful Mary Robinson, spirited actress and fashion icon who attracted the attention of the future George IV while playing PERDITA in Shakespeare's THE WINTER'S TALE.

Famed for her liaisons with the prince and others, Mary was later known as a romantic poet and friend of Coleridge, a witty and perceptive novelist, and a radical columnist who gave herself the pseudonym of TABITHA BRAMBLE.

Presented by actor and speaker Karin Fernald and biographer Hester Davenport.

This entertaining and touching presentation is accompanied by four songs, forgotten gems of the l8th and l9th century, including SIGH NO MORE, LADIES from Shakespeare's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING And THE LAST ROSE OF SUMMER by Thomas Moore (1779-1852.)

The performance may be accompanied by optional slides from the Royal Collection, the Wallace Collection, Waddesden Manor and the National Portrait Gallery. They include portraits of the fashionable Mrs. Robinson by Reynolds, Romney and Gainsborough, and some unexpected images of the future George lV.

HESTER DAVENPORT is the author of THE PRINCE'S MISTRESS: A LIFE OF MARY ROBINSON. Hester also writes on the history of Windsor, where she lives.

This two-handed entertainment has been presented at the National Portrait Gallery.