Product Description

The Rivals, Sheridan's first play is a portrait made from material of his own life; his scandalous marriage to a popular singer of the age and the characters he had come to know in the town of Bath. A romance told with great wit and emotion, The Rivals is one of the funniest jewels of late-Restoration comedy. In order to woo the idealistic Lydia Languish, to whom wealth means little, Captain Absolute offers himself to her as a poor Army officer. Standing between the two lovers are an extraordinary collection of comic characters: the captain's acrimonious father, Sir Anthony Absolute; Lydia's quick-tongued aunt, Mrs. Malaprop; and the affable Bob Acres, the captain's friend turned rival.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30036 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-09-20
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 147 minutes

Synopsis
Adaptation of Sheridan's popular 'comedy of manners' play, recorded at the Bristol Old Vic.

Review
What an amazing resource to have. I have recommended it to a number of teachers of A Level Drama at a recent meeting. Thank you for this great facility. You have been such a help. The Rivals is so beautifully performed and staged. You have made a very exhausted Drama teacher very happy!!!!!!! --Louise Webb

Review
Rachel Kavanaugh's elegant, nimble-footed production is the best account of Sheridan's play I've seen. Peter McKintosh has designed a spacious Georgian set; in the background, a soft Gainsborough sky. This is a treat. --The Sunday Times

Customer Reviews

The Rivals
This is a great stage version of The Rivals. Although filmed during a stage production the quality is excellent and there are plenty of close-ups so that you really feel part of the theatre audience. I enjoyed the interpretation as it wasn't trying to be clever or different it simply performed the play, set in it's time with all the the ridiculous mannerisms and exaggerated overflown language common to late Georgian comedies. A brilliant and useful resource for drama students and teachers alike.

The Rivals
What a delight! The DVD is sharp and clear and the fact that its a filmed theatrical production makes you feel as though you really are spending a throroughly enjoyable evening at the Old Vic.