Hughes premieres the role of Theodosia in John Dryden's comedy Evening's Love, or the Mock Astrologer, with the King's Company.
On 22 June 1668, Margaret Hughes originated the role of Theodosia in the premiere of John Dryden's comedy Evening's Love, or the Mock Astrologer, performed by the King's Company. This production is significant both as a milestone in Restoration comedy and as further evidence of Hughes's established status as a leading actress of her generation.
Dryden was among the most prominent and prolific playwrights of the Restoration era, and having an actress originate one of his principal comedic roles reflected significant professional standing. John Downes, chronicler of the era's theatrical productions, specifically credited Hughes as the 'original Theodosia,' cementing her association with this role in the historical record of English drama.
By 1668, Hughes had moved beyond her groundbreaking early appearances as Desdemona into a mature career as a comic and dramatic actress capable of originating substantial new roles written expressly for the post-Restoration stage. This period also coincided with her personal life becoming increasingly entwined with prominent figures of Restoration society, including her later relationship with Prince Rupert of the Rhine. Her performance in Evening's Love illustrates the breadth of her repertoire beyond tragedy, showing her versatility across the comedic and dramatic registers that defined Restoration theatre, and helps document the continuing, expanding presence of professional actresses in the English theatrical establishment during the 1660s.