Although first staged over 225 years ago, The Rivals has been one of the most frequently performed plays of the 18th Century, and continues to captivate audiences with its joyous, exuberant energy and a story line worthy of a Whitehall farce.
Lydia Languish yearns for a romantic elopement rather than a more convential marriage. Thus the wealthy Jack Absolute has wooed her in the guise of impecunious Ensign Beverley. Mrs Malaprop, Lydia's aunt and guardian, disapproves of the attachment, and has forbidden her neice to see this penniless suitor.
As the title suggests, there are other rivals trying to win Lydia's hand; namely Acres, a less-than-fashionable country squire, and Sir Lucius O'Trigger, a fortune-hunting Irish baronet.
The plot is further complicated by Mrs Malaprop's own amorous designs on Sir Lucius.
Sir Anthony Absolute
A baronet |
Jeremy Cleverley |
Captain Jack Absolute
His son |
Simon Taylor |
Lydia Languish
In love with Beverly |
Alexandra Johnson |
Mrs. Malaprop
Aunt to Lydia, masquerading as Delia |
Adele Taylor |
Faulkland
In love with Julia |
John Keen |
Bob Acres
A country squire, pursuing Lydia |
Martin Pritchard |
Sir Lucius O'Trigger
Friend to Acres, pursuing Delia |
John Wallace |
Julia Melville
Lydia's cousin, in love with Faulkland |
Deborah Taylor |
Lucy
Lydia's maid |
Clare Lewis |
Fag
Captain Absolute's servant |
Al Fowkes |
David
Acres' servant |
Paul Lewis |
| Servants |
Ben Tarbard
Ian Moffitt
Sarah Powell
Christine Singer |
| Stage Manager |
Jim Bond |
| ASMs |
Sarah Powell
Ian Moffitt
Dan Snape |
| Prompt |
Sheila Hine |
| Lighting Design |
Jennifer Panton
Paul Lewis |
| Sound |
Rhiannon Lewis |
| Wardrobe |
Clare Lewis
Linda Batson |
| Wigs |
Chris Bullimore |
| Properties |
Colette Fitton
Christine Singer |
| Set Design |
Simon Webber |
| Set Construction |
| Jim Bond, Nick Capey, Ronnie Dykstra, Ian Mairs, Simon Webber, Diana Boswell, Mike Rhodes |
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