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: #17013 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