A comedy of love and manners...

In the summer streets of Bath, social climber and “pineapple of politeness” Mrs Malaprop is determined to make her niece Lydia Languish a fortuitous match. Lydia, however, fuelled by an excessive indulgence in romantic fiction, has other ideas and plans to fall in love with a penniless man. Enter the inconveniently wealthy Captain Jack Absolute who, in an attempt to fulfil Lydia’s romantic ambition and capture her heart, disguises himself as a poor soldier – with hilarious consequences! 

An elegant comedy of manners, The Rivals was inspired by Sheridan’s own romantic entanglements, which fed the gossip-mongers of his day with endless scandal and tittle-tattle. This, his first and most loved play, will be brought to life by director Dominic Hill (Crime & Punishment) and stars Maggie Steed (Lark Rise to Candleford) and Desmond Barrit (The History Boys). 

An Everyman & Playhouse, Bristol Old Vic and Citizens Theatre co-production