Why then the cause of all this is - LOVE - LOVE.
Elaborate conspiracies conceal passionate liaisons, families are torn apart, and best friends ready themselves for an impending duel to the death.
It is summer, and Lydia Languish is yearning for the charming but penniless Ensign Beverley – the cunning alter ego of a roguish Captain Jack Absolute.
Meanwhile her aunt, a self-professed model of virtue, Mrs. Malaprop is forced to confront her own vulnerability at the hands of a wild and rebellious Irish baronet.
Youth battles age and wisdom eludes both in this mischievous account of human nature and its imperfections. In a world where pretence governs all, can truth and love win through?
The Rivals, R.B. Sheridan’s feisty and spirited celebration of the drama of everyday life, is one of theatre’s most enduring comedies.
FROM THE BLOG
Oops! Mrs. Malaprop…
25 Aug 2009, in Behind the Scenes 2 commentsMalapropism… from Abbey Theatre on Vimeo.
Audience reactions to The Rivals
4 Aug 2009, in Behind the Scenes 4 commentsWith thanks to Darragh Doyle
Watch the trailer for The Rivals, featuring the voice of director Patrick Mason
21 Jul 2009, in Behind the Scenes 0 commentsAssisted performances
25 Jun 2009, in Engage and LearnThe Abbey Theatre currently offers a range of services for deaf and disabled patrons including signed, audio described and captioned performances.
REVIEWS: WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
See all reviews‘When truly great classic comedy (or any other kind of play) gets a truly great production, you realise why good theatre seeps into your bones and stays there, renewing itself and you own spirit time after time. And that’s what Patrick Mason’s new production of Sheridan’s The Rivals at the Abbey does.’
‘It’s as close as dammit to perfection: exuberant, naughty (oh, so naughty!) effervescent, sweeping, witty, thoughtful, a perfect symphony of direction, design, acting and sound.’
‘The Rivals is a treat not to be missed.’
‘It’s one of the very best things I have ever seen on stage. Ever.’
‘What director Patrick Mason and the entire cast and production team have done is take a play that, in its apparent complication, could have gone badly and created a masterpiece.’
‘It’s particular strength lies in one sense in how flawed all the characters are and how it reflects on us as a society.’
‘Classic satire still has the last laugh’
‘a thoroughly entertaining comedy’
‘highly entertaining production’
‘The plot of Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s Georgian comedy of manners is so tangled with crossed purposes, miscommunication, competing affections, invented characters and co-conspirators, that it can be difficult to actually identify the rivals in question.’
‘Throughout, in fact, there is a tension on stage between performers who submit to their characters and those who resist them. Dunning offers an excellent blend of irascibility and sneaky pride, Tom Vaughan Lawlor ratchets up the physical comedy of his gormless suitor Acres, and a terrific Emma Colohan as a maid on the make steals any scene left unguarded, but as Sir Lucius O’Trigger, Phelim Drew opts to play a stage Irishman with precious little stage Irishness.’
‘Sit back and relish some rompingly good performances.’
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REVIEWS: WHAT YOU SAID
really good play fantastic cast not a bad apple amongst them use of modern props a bit silly and not needed though very funny indeed! …
Lisa, Belfast 3 Sep 2009, 12:22
Great Show , Pity the staff is getting the sack!
gerrycully, dublin 3 Sep 2009, 10:37
REVIEWS: WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
‘When truly great classic comedy (or any other kind of play) gets a truly great production, you realise why good theatre seeps into your bones and stays there, renewing itself and you own spirit time after time. And that’s what Patrick Mason’s new production of Sheridan’s The Rivals at the Abbey does.’
‘It’s as close as dammit to perfection: exuberant, naughty (oh, so naughty!) effervescent, sweeping, witty, thoughtful, a perfect symphony of direction, design, acting and sound.’
‘The Rivals is a treat not to be missed.’
Cast
Creative Team
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REVIEWS: WHAT YOU SAID
See all (20) reviews* * * * *
really good play fantastic cast not a bad apple amongst them use of modern props a bit silly and not needed though very funny indeed!
Lisa, Belfast 3 Sep 2009, 12:22
* * * * *
Great Show , Pity the staff is getting the sack!
gerrycully, dublin 3 Sep 2009, 10:37
* * * * *
Great acting and comic timing- wonderful cast, costumes and set design
Ethna, Dublin 1 Sep 2009, 15:30
* * * *
A great night and a humerous insight into the human condition.
jimmy cullen, . 31 Aug 2009, 11:56
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generally enjoyed the production particularly Tom Vaughan Lawlor,however the addition of some modern props seemed pointless(a full modern dress production could have made sense)also some of the cast seemed to be playing under a different director,treating it as a straight play rather than broad comedy.Sir Lucius O’Trigger is clearly intended to be a stage Irishman and treated as such by Captain Jack yet was played in a very muted fashion.Overall a very good evenings entertainment
michael, dublin 28 Aug 2009, 20:24
* * * *
A great nights fun - brilliantly acted and staged.
Terry McCabe, Wexford 27 Aug 2009, 22:32
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I saw the show last night and thought about it most of today.
This is Irish Theatre at it’s very best! It makes for a really exciting evening at The Abbey, just shut down your computer and Go, Go, GOOOOOOOOOO!!!You won’t be disappointed.:)
M Kelly., Dublin. 27 Aug 2009, 21:48
* * * * *
Saw the play several weeks and loved everything about it, especially enjoyed Tom Vaughan-Lawlor’s performance ... The Abbey is a great venue also .. who needs the cinema!!
cora cosgrave, Navan Co Meath 26 Aug 2009, 13:21
* * * * *
REALLY VERY ENJOYABLE,FAST AND FUNNY,WITH EXCELLENT PERFORMANCES BY ALL MEMBERS OF THE CAST.
Gabriel Mc Govern, Dublin 26 Aug 2009, 11:43
* * * * *
Absolutely brilliant . Excellent cast and so entertaining.
Eithne Foster, Dublin 3 26 Aug 2009, 09:48
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