Gammer Gurton's Needle

Gammer Gurton's Needle is one of the earliest comedies written in the English language. It is thought to have been produced in 1533.

The author was identified in the manuscript only as "Mr S. Mr. of Art". This is believed to have been William Stevenson, who is listed as a Master of Arts (M.A.) of Christ's College, Cambridge in 1553 and is known to have produced plays there. The same manuscript states that the comedy was first performed at Cambridge.

Unlike its contemporary, Ralph Roister Doister, this play shows no evidence of having been influenced by Latin comedy, but is uniquely English in tone. The plot centres on the loss of a needle belonging to Gammer Gurton. It is eventually found when her servant, Hodge, sits down and discovers it in the seat of his pants.