The Rivals, Theatre Royal, Winchester
FIRST performed in 1775 and closed down after opening night - but rewritten and enjoyed ever since - Richard Sheridan's exuberant comedy of manners still amuses audiences and resonates tellingly today.
Set in elegant and romantic Bath during just one day, the characters interconnect - often unknowingly - and delight the audience with misunderstandings, character foibles and delicious dollops of dramatic irony.
Aided by convincing costumes and a minimalist but effective set, the ten talented actors relish the luscious language, often engaging and addressing the audience with conspiratorial asides.
Robert Austin as Sir Anthony Absolute glows with incandescent patriarchal fury, the rich and glorious vocabulary sparking and spitting with apoplectic venom.
Carol Macready as the eponymous Mrs Maloprop billows and berates with excruciating and hilarious inaccuracy, the comic timing and delightful ineptitude as compelling as Miss Piggy at her biting and belligerent best.
The Compass Theatre Company continue to show the way with classic drama.
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