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The Rivals

Starring Robert Bathurst and Patricia Hodge

Bath in the Roaring Twenties: risqué revelry, romance, and rivalry in the Assembly Rooms – a town torn between tradition and the new age.

Lydia and Jack are made for each other – but Lydia’s a rebel and Jack’s too posh to be her beau. What’s a chap to do? A little harmless deception, of course. Meanwhile, Jack’s father, Anthony Absolute, is determined to be obeyed, and Lydia’s guardian Mrs Malaprop is seeking a love-affair of her own – if only she could find the right words…

Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s sparkling satire of love and language has lost none of its bite and brilliance. OT Artistic Director Tom Littler gives this 250th anniversary revival a jazzy new production: a sumptuous treat to chase away the winter cold.

The Rivals is generously supported by Derek Robinson.

Purring with pleasure.
The Sunday Times
Patricia Hodge was born to play Mrs Malaprop.
Broadway World
Robert Bathurst is masterly.
The Reviews Hub
A pineapple of perfection.
View From the Gods
Filled with glorious silliness
Theatre and Tonic

Show Information

Dates

3 February 20267 February 2026

Venue

The Arts Theatre Cambridge

Tickets

From £23.50

Running Time

2 hours 30 minutes (inc. an interval)

PRODUCTION PHOTOS

Photography by Ellie Kurttz

TRAILER

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