This well-timed production of Sheridan's sparkling comedy, crisply directed by Christopher Morahan, marks the Theatre Royal Bath's 200th anniversary: There could scarcely be a more apt play to celebrate it with - set in Bath as it is - or indeed, a more lively, enthusiastic cast. Drama and satire Affections run amok through the lives of the town's aristocracy and their acerbic servants in this timeless Enlightenment romp. The piece plays Shakespearean havoc with individual identity, whilst examining - in a never-too-serious light - the nature of romantic entanglement, and that perennial favourite - the generation gap.  | | Stephanie Cole as Mrs Malaprop |
As the drama unfolds, love, snobbery, and fashion all come under Sheridan's satirical gaze, as lovers toy with each other before Captain Jack Absolute prepares to fight the duel which brings the uproarious action to an end. Set in Bath during one day in 1775, The Rivals also, of course, features one of the greatest characters of the English stage in the wondefully faux-erudite Mrs Malaprop - never daring to "anticipate the past" and praising the virtues of a man who is "the very pineapple of politeness". With a penchant for cheap comic novels, young heiress Lydia Languish is only content when her courtship is veiled in secret trysts, coupled with at least a good chance of an eventual elopement. The subject of her infatuation - poor ensign Beverley - is in fact Captain Jack Absolute, who sacrifices rank to win her heart, much to the bemusement of his father, the tyrannical Sir Anthony - a man who is easily led... "if I have my own way." A fine cast An 11-stong fine cast is headlined by those much-loved TV actors Stephanie Cole, as Mrs Malaprop, and George Baker, as Sir Anthony, with strong support from Nicholas Boulton as the scheming Jack.  | | Stephanie Cole and Nicholas Boulton |
Ms Cole - with a nice line in an Irish lilt and a disapproving look that could freeze an allegory on the banks of the Nile in its tracks - is superbly cast in the role, relishing those memorable lines, and milking them for their considerable worth, whilst displaying impeccable comic timing. George Baker, however, takes time to grow into Sir Anthony. His rages and rantings at Jack are too controlled, too understated for my taste, and unfortunately he walked off stage for a prompt at one point, surprising in an actor who has been around for as long as he has. But, these are perhaps minor grumblings in an otherwise fine production bristling with verve and enthusiasm. It runs until Saturday 15 October in Bath before going on tour - a wonderful little piece of 18th Century Bath for the rest of Britain to enjoy - Zounds! Happy birthday Theatre Royal Bath, and many more of 'em, don't you know. | 
