The Rivals
Social climber and “pineapple of politeness” Mrs Malaprop is determined to make her drama queen niece Lydia Languish a fortuitous match. Enter the inconveniently wealthy Captain Jack Absolute who, in an attempt to fulfil Lydia’s romantic ambition to marry into poverty, disguises himself as a poor soldier - with hilarious consequences.
The Rivals is an elegant comedy of manners set in a world of dress up and complex social etiquette bordering on the absurd. It was inspired by Sheridan’s own romantic entanglements which fed the gossip-mongers of his day with endless scandal and tittle-tattle.
Citizens Artistic Director Dominic Hill brings his distinctive creative style, honouring the subversive, outlandish, tongue-in-cheek spirit of the play, to this co-production with Bristol Old Vic and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse.
The production opened at Bristol Old Vic and tours to Liverpool before playing at the Citizens Theatre.
The Rivals is supported by Friends of the Citizens
Dates
Recommended for 12+
Preview 2 Nov, 7.30pm
Audio Described 12 Nov, 2.30pm
Signed 11 Nov, 7.30pm
Captioned 12 Nov, 2.30pm
Wheelchair Access
Guide Dogs welcome
Induction Loop
Reviews
“In its bold casualness it’s ingenious and insouciant, observing the time-honoured subversive spirit of the play and ensuring that everything feels like it’s happening in the moment” The Telegraph ★★★★★
“a mighty flurry of wigs, face-powder, and heartfelt gender politics” The Scotsman★★★★★
“The Rivals is an uproarious production with a script as sharp as ever, bolstered by a terrific cast” Bristol Post ★★★★★
“This may be a period comedy but there is nothing modern in the country to rival it at the moment” The Daily Record ★★★★
“True to Sheridan and alive to today, this is a delight” The Times ★★★★
“fun in spades” WhatsOnStage ★★★★
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Cast & Creative Team
Creative Team Writer - Richard Brinsley Sheridan Director - Dominic Hill Designer - Tom Rogers Lighting - Howard Hudson Original music by - Dan Jones
Desmond Barrit- Sir Anthony Absolute Nicholas Bishop - Faulkland Lucy Briggs-Owen - Lydia Languish Lily Donovan - Lucy Keith Dunphy - Sir Lucius O'Trigger Henry Everett - David / Coachman Jessica Hardwick - Julia Melville Julie Legrand - Mrs Malaprop Lee Mengo - Bob Acres Shaun Miller - Fag Rhys Rusbatch - Jack Absolute
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