By Richard Brinsley Sheridan, Adapted by Beth Flintoff

Photographs by Phillip Tull

'Whatever The Watermill Theatre at Bagnor does you can be assured that it will do it well — and their current production of Sheridan’s classic comedy The Rivals, brilliantly adapted by Beth Flintoff, more than confirms your expectations.'

The Henley Standard

'Beth Flintoff’s adaptation begins with Julia (Charlotte Bate) delivering a rhyming introduction poking fun at the political parallels between Sheridan’s era and today. It ends with the same, only this time Bate’s message has shifted from Brexit banter to cautionary comments on the perils of ignoring or avoiding love.'

**** The Stage

A feast of high-blown cod grandiloquence is delivered with crisp authority by a talented cast.'

***** The Spy in the Stalls

The Watermill Theatre

15th March - 21st April 2018

Bath 1775. 

Lydia Languish is passionately in love with a dashing but penniless soldier with whom she plans to elope.  Mrs Malaprop, her guardian, commands she ‘illiterate him’ from her memory and marry the rich and handsome son of a friend who is ‘the very pineapple of politeness’. 

Little do they realise that both poor Beverley and the wealthy Captain Absolute are one and the same young man. Cue confusion, romance, misunderstanding and a twilight duel. 

Taking place over one hilarious day, this classic comedy of desire, intrigue and romantic delusion, bursts onto The Watermill stage. An energetic ensemble perform a fresh, funny and fast-moving new version directed by Jonathan Humphreys whose previous credits include The Mighty Walzer(Manchester Royal Exchange) and Romeo and Juliet (Sheffield Crucible).

Directed by Jonathan Humphreys
Designed by James Cotterill
Lighting designed by Katharine Williams
Composer and Sound Designer Simon Slater

Cast: Daniel Abelson, Charlotte Bate, Emma Denly, Ncuti Gatwa, Christopher Logan, James Mack, Julia St John, Michael Thomas.