The Rivals
Photo credit: Ellie Kurtz
Last night’s press night performance of The Rivals at Theatre Royal Bath was an utter delight from start to finish: a buoyant, feel-good evening of theatre that reminded me just how joyful live performance can be. This production marks the 250th anniversary of Sheridan’s The Rivals, and for this production the play has moved into the 1920s. Written in 1775, Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s comedy of manners The Rivals is as fitting for the city today as it was in the eighteenth century. It is a comedy of manners, set (then and now) right here in Bath.
The play centres on romantic mix-ups, social pretensions, disguises, and misunderstandings. From the moment the house lights went down at last night’s sold-out press night, the atmosphere felt celebratory. The lively, atmospheric music set the tone perfectly, infusing the production with warmth and momentum and carrying us effortlessly into Sheridan’s witty, fast-paced world.
The play centres on romantic mix-ups, social pretensions, disguises, and misunderstandings. From the moment the house lights went down at last night’s sold-out press night, the atmosphere felt celebratory. The lively, atmospheric music set the tone perfectly, infusing the production with warmth and momentum and carrying us effortlessly into Sheridan’s witty, fast-paced world.
Photo credit: Ellie Kurtz
The cast were excellent in their roles - clearly well-rehearsed, charismatic, and brimming with confidence, and it was a pleasure to watch seasoned performers such as Patricia Hodge and Robert Bathurst command the stage with so much ease and authority. The performers made full use of the space, occasionally venturing into the stalls in ways that felt playful, fresh, and delightfully unexpected.
Patricia Hodge plays the iconic Mrs Malaprop in a role that shines for its sheer comic brilliance, and Robert Bathurst is Sir Anthony Absolute, adding depth and charm to the role with plenty of comedic shouting and performative authority.
Kames Sheldon is also responsible for many of the evening’s biggest laughs, playing Faulkland with endearing charm. Sheldon’s Faulkland is fragile and fretful, his social awkwardness and insecurity leading him to see hurt where none is intended in Julia’s behaviour.
Patricia Hodge plays the iconic Mrs Malaprop in a role that shines for its sheer comic brilliance, and Robert Bathurst is Sir Anthony Absolute, adding depth and charm to the role with plenty of comedic shouting and performative authority.
Kames Sheldon is also responsible for many of the evening’s biggest laughs, playing Faulkland with endearing charm. Sheldon’s Faulkland is fragile and fretful, his social awkwardness and insecurity leading him to see hurt where none is intended in Julia’s behaviour.
Photo credit: Ellie Kurtz
Their performances felt assured and generous, anchoring the production while allowing the comedy to sparkle. A particular joy to watch was Kit Young, whose energy, physicality, and infectious presence lit up every scene he appeared in. His performance brought a freshness and vitality that made it impossible to look away, and together he and Zoe Brough brought youthful spark to Jack and Lydia, anchoring the central romantic mishaps.
Photo credit: Ellie Kurtz
I also loved how the staging incorporated moments of contemporary references that gently puncture the period setting, including a sly allusion to The Traitors. For those local to the city, it was fun to see how the play reflects the social scene of Bath, focusing on the Assembly Rooms, spas, and the "newly invigorated" city in the 1920s. I especially enjoyed seeing Bath Abbey represented on stage with simple but very effective visuals and sound design.
Photo credit: Ellie Kurtz
Sheridan’s writing remains as sharp as ever, and this production leans fully into its wit and cleverness, delivering plenty of genuine laugh-out-loud moments without ever forcing the humour. The pacing felt just right, allowing both the comedy and the character interactions to breathe. The production offers lots of laughs and plenty of theatrical charm. With a packed theatre clearly relishing every moment, this was an evening that offered pure escapism - light, joyful, and deeply entertaining.
Storytelling with clever wit, playful physicality and visual sparkle, The Rivals feels like a perfect tonic for a winter evening this January. Whether you’re a seasoned theatre-goer or someone simply looking for a thoroughly entertaining evening of intelligent, feel-good comedy, The Rivals at Theatre Royal Bath is an absolute treat.
Now showing from Tuesday 27th until Saturday 31st January.