The Second Mrs. Tanqueray is a problem play by Arthur Wing Pinero. It utilises the "Woman with a past" plot, popular in nineteenth century melodrama. The play was first produced in 1893 by the actor-manager George Alexander and despite causing some shock to his audiences by its scandalous subject it was a box-office success, and was revived in London and New York in many productions during the 20th century.
Mrs. Patrick Campbell as Paula Tanqueray in the 1902 Broadway revival
Sir Arthur Wing Pinero was an English playwright and, early in his career, actor.
Pinero in 1895
Henry Irving: Pinero was a member of his company from 1876 to 1881.
George Alexander and Irene Vanbrugh in His House in Order, 1906
Pinero aged about 55