DH Lawrence's first play, 'The Widowing of Mrs. Holroyd' follows the unhappy marriage of Mrs. Holroyd to her abusive, alcoholic, adulterous husband. The romantic advances of her neighbour cause her to yearn for her husband's death, and when a mining accident grants this wish, she is faced with the task of washing and laying his body for the funeral. This exploration of the failing of marriages and human relationships is characteristic of Lawrence's uncompromising rawness and had a successful film adaption starring Colin Firth in 1995.