THE RIVALS

Sheridan

Performed at Avington House on 14th to 19th July, 1980

Cast

The Rivals, written in 1775, was Sheridan's first play.It centres around the sentimentally romantic Lydia Languish, who, determined to marry for love and (if possible) poverty, is in love with "Ensign Beverley" who is in fact the aristocratic Captain Jack Absolute.Well understanding the perversity of Lydia's nature, he has wooed her in disguised penury.The two meet and exchange letters despite the watchfulness of Lydia's aunt Mrs Malaprop, who is determined to marry her to Bob Acres, a dull rural squire.When Jack's father Sir Anthony Absolute arrives, he suggests to Mrs Malaprop a match between Jack and Lydia, whereupon Mrs Malaprop immediately drops Acres. Then, when Sir Anthony tells Jack that he has found a wife for him, Jack, unaware of the lady's identity, objects, and they quarrel violently. However, as soon as Jack learns of his father's choice, he plays the penitent and promises to marry Lydia. He proceeds to charm Mrs Malaprop, who introduces him to Lydia as Absolute. Now he must convince Lydia that he, Beverley, must pass himself off as Jack Absolute in order to gain access to her aunt's house.Soon Lydia discovers his true identity and, offended by his deceit and the affront to her romantic illusions, rejects him. Meanwhile, Acres, whose sense of honour has been inflamed by Sir Lucius O'Trigger, a quixotic Irish knight, sends a challenge to Beverley through his friend Jack. Sir Lucius, who has been corresponding with his beloved "Delia" (whom he takes to be Lydia but really is Mrs Malaprop), challenges Jack. Finally, at the duelling place the relationships are revealed; Lydia accepts Jack, Lucius rejects Mrs Malaprop, and Acres retires in haste from the field. In a subplot Jack's friend Faulkland, a young man who finds in every innocent action of Julia, his steadfast beloved, a reason for doubting her love, is finally united with her.