Sheridan’s comic classic
Orange Tree Theatre announced the full cast and creative team for the 250th Anniversary production of Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s comic classic The Rivals.
Artistic Director Tom Littler will direct Robert Bathurst and Patricia Hodge, alongside Pete Ashmore, Joëlle Brabban, Zoe Brough, Dylan Corbett-Bader, Jim Findley, Colm Gormley, Robert Maskell, Boadicea Ricketts, James Sheldon and Kit Young.
Tom Littler said, “It’s a real pleasure to be working with this brilliant company on The Rivals. Each actor brings their own insight, energy, and creativity, and I’m excited to see how we’ll capture Sheridan’s humour and wit in the glamour and chaos of the Roaring Twenties.”
You thought! Thought does not become a young woman.
Bath in the Roaring Twenties: risqué revelry, romance, and rivalry in the Assembly Rooms – a town torn between tradition and the new age.
Lydia and Jack are made for each other – but Lydia’s a rebel and Jack’s too posh to be her beau. What’s a chap to do? A little harmless deception, of course. Meanwhile, Jack’s father, Anthony Absolute, is absolutely determined to be obeyed, and Lydia’s guardian Mrs Malaprop is seeking a love-affair of her own – if only she could find the right words…
Orange Tree Theatre, 1 Clarence Street, Richmond, TW9 2SA from 29 November 2025 – 24 January 2026
Box Office: 020 8940 3633
Booking and full details: https://orangetreetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/the-rivals/
Following the run at the Orange Tree, The Rivals will then tour to Theatre Royal Bath (27-31 January 2026) and Cambridge Arts Theatre (3-7 February 2026).
