‘Through all the drama — whether damned or not —
Love gilds the scene, and women guide the plot.’
When Town meets Country in the summer streets of Bath, Society begins to play. Duels, duplicities and secret disguises abound. At the centre of it all is Lydia Languish, determined to marry a penniless man for love. But first she must contend with the formidable Mrs Malaprop, whose devastating blunders are infamous…
The sparkling wit and whirlwind plot of The Rivals has delighted audiences for 240 years. This brand new production reinvigorates Sheridan’s masterpiece with modern touches and theatrical flair. It is the first time the Arcola has staged late Restoration comedy.
Selina Cadell, last seen in the National Theatre productions of People and The Habit of Art, has directed acclaimed versions of The Way of the World and The Importance of Being Earnest. For this classic comedy, her cast includes Gemma Jones (Bridget Jones’s Diary, Sense and Sensibility) as Mrs Malaprop and Nicholas Le Prevost (Shakespeare in Love, My Fair Lady) as Sir Anthony Absolute.
★★★★ “Splendidly conveyed by a high-class ensemble of actors.” Evening Standard
★★★★ “A blast. It’ll send you out into the night with a silly smile on your face.” Time Out
★★★★ “A delight” The Stage
★★★★★ “A beautifully crafted production that brings Sheridan’s masterpiece back onto the stage in an explosion of love, confusion, passion and laughter.” The Public Reviews
★★★★★ “A wonderful show in the most perfect setting.” LondonTheatre1
Opening Performances (15 – 18 October) – all tickets £12
Saturday matinees at 3.00pm – £16 Matinees (£12 concessions)
Pay What You Can Tuesdays (28 October, 4 & 11 November): tickets in person from 6.30pm – limited and subject to availability
Running time is approximately 2hrs 55mins including an interval.
