The Orange Tree Theatre’s new production of The Rivals gives Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s classic comedy a jaunty Jazz Age makeover. It’s set in Bath, ‘an agreeable town, but a little inclined to sleepiness’, on a bright spring day in 1927 – with Artistic Director Tom Littler cleverly moving the play from 1775 to the Roaring Twenties, an era of Charleston rhythms, silk stockings and romantic rebellion.
The shift works remarkably well. Sheridan’s satire of love, class and language feels entirely at home in this new era.
The Rivals review – quick links
Malapropisms and memorable comedic characters
Lydia Languish, played by a suitably breathless Zoe Brough, is an ardent admirer of torrid romantic novels and longs for a similar passion of her own. She believes a respectable marriage would be a complete bore so when Captain Jack Absolute (Kit Young) comes courting, he does so in the guise of a lowly sergeant.
From here, the inevitable comic complications come thick and fast. Jack’s formidable father Sir Anthony Absolute is played with aplomb and classic emotional understatement by Robert Bathurst. Lovely Lydia rejects Captain Jack in favour of her beloved sergeant, unaware they are indeed the same dashing young man.
Sheridan’s most famous comic creation is Lydia’s aunt and guardian Mrs Malaprop, ‘an old weather-beaten sea dragon’. The delightful Patricia Hodge is perfectly cast in the role, delivering her lines with immaculate timing and precise articulation.
Mrs Malaprop is famous for her glorious mangling of the English language and Hodge ensures the jokes still sound fresh and funny. And yes, she even ‘casts nasturtiums’ when she intends to cast aspersions.
Embracing the fun of The Rivals
The supporting cast matches the energy and professionalism of the leads. Kit Young is assured as the love interest and is especially strong with the playful choreography. James Sheldon is appealing as his good friend ‘Faulty’ Faulkland, and Dylan Corbett-Bader is endearing as the rather slow-witted country gent Bob Acres.
A special mention must go to Colm Gormley’s larger-than-life, brash, gun-loving American Lucius O’Trigger. Joëlle Brabban is also delightful as Lydia’s maid Lucy and sings a couple of smoochy jazz songs, encouraging the rest of the ensemble to kick up their heels.
With a cast of 12 actors, the program notes tell us that this is the largest professional cast at the Orange Tree since their Arts Council grant was cut in 2014, a tribute no doubt to their loyal supporters and audience.
Tom Littler’s direction is confident and imaginative without being overworked and includes some clever pieces of comic business that add enormously to the play’s sense of fun. There’s a very amusing hymn-singing scene in Bath Abbey that neatly conceals the on-going chat between the characters, and a memorably silly moment with Captain Jack reclining in a bubble bath talking to Quackers, his little yellow rubber duck.
In part, we love these characters because they don’t take themselves too seriously – and we love the actors for acknowledging the inherent silliness of it all. They’re having fun so we can have fun too. Helping them along, the scene changes are fluid and inventive, the choreography light-footed and the costumes are colourful and stylish without shouting for attention.
A stylish Jazz Age reimagining of Sheridan’s classic comedy
Richard Brinsley Sheridan is mostly remembered as a master of Restoration-style wit, but The Rivals also shows his keen eye for generational conflict and the folly of romantic posturing. Written when he was just 23, the play was an immediate hit and remains popular for good reason.
This production honours its original strengths while allowing it to breathe in a new context. The late 1700s may seem a little too remote for today’s audience; the 1920s is much more fun and familiar.
The Orange Tree Theatre has long excelled at classic comedy, and this revival is a fine example of their strengths. Smartly cast, smoothly staged and genuinely funny, it is a reminder of how satisfying a quality off-West-End show can be.
With the intimate in-the-round theatre just steps from Richmond station, this is a rewarding night out. It’s a warm, stylish, and immensely enjoyable play that will help you start the New Year with a smile.
