A heady, flapper-infused revival of Richard Brinsley Sheridan's classic comedy The Rivals has arrived in London, offering a stylishly silly dose of Christmas fun. Transposed to 1920s Bath, this 250th-anniversary production at the Orange Tree Theatre delivers crowd-pleasing antics, though it occasionally slackens its pace.
A Jazz-Age Makeover for a Classic Comedy
Director Tom Littler has shifted the play's 18th-century upper-class escapades to the interwar years, infusing it with a Charleston energy, occasional song, and a distinctly PG Wodehouse flavour. The most blatant nod is the renaming of Jack Absolute's manservant to Gieves, a clear reference to Jeeves and Wooster. The setting provides a fizzy, anarchic spirit that suits the festive period perfectly, with Sheridan's legendary word-mangler, Mrs Malaprop, serving as a kind of period panto dame.
The plot revolves around romantic deceptions and comic misunderstandings. Kit Young's Jack Absolute poses as the lowly Sergeant Beverley to win the heart of Zoe Brough's Lydia Languish, a Bright Young Thing who romanticises poverty. Meanwhile, James Sheldon's neurotic 'Faulty' Faulkland frets over his relationship with Julia, played by Boadicea Ricketts. The imperious Aunt, Mrs Malaprop, is brought to life by Patricia Hodge, who delivers a stream of glorious malapropisms.
Giddiness, Froth, and Occasional Slack
The production is a whirl of giddiness and froth, performed by an able cast. Kit Young is a particular joy, showcasing excellent physical comedy and speed. The movement direction by Leah Harris is immaculately coordinated with a fast-changing set from designers Anett Black and Neil Irish. There are playful meta-theatrical moments and even a contemporary nod to the TV series Traitors slipped into the 1920s setting.
However, the critique notes that the production is bubbly but not quite champagne, lacking the sharp satirical kick of Sheridan's original observations on power, class, and poverty. The humour remains a playful game, unserrated at the edges. While Hodge plays Mrs Malaprop with comic breeziness and hauteur, her interpretation is noted to lack distinctive elements, and her subplot with Lucius O'Trigger (Colm Gormley) fails to land its intended pathos. As a long play, it does lose momentum in places.
Verdict and Tour Details
Despite these minor flaws, the revival is exceedingly pleasant as a whole—a piece of stylishly silly, festive fun and japes. The Rivals runs at the Orange Tree Theatre in London until 24 January. It will then tour to the Theatre Royal Bath from 27-31 January, followed by a run at the Cambridge Arts Theatre from 3-7 February.
