THE Rivals is a period drama production with a delightful difference.
A comedy that, at nearly three hours, paces along very well thanks to a fine versatile cast who look as though they are enjoying every minute of this play about 'love and manners'.
This co-production with Liverpool Playhouse, Bristol Old Vic and Citizens Theatre Glasgow opens on a stage were the cast are getting ready for curtain-up.
We, the audience taking our seats see, with the house lights on, behind-the-scenes, costume rails and theatre staff working on the show.
Desmond Barrit plays Sir Absolute in the production
And then action . . . on simple, slick but effective Georgian sets.
Huge picture frames work perfectly.
The 18th century costumes and wigs are marvelous.
Director Dominic Hill also throws in some modern-day props including a Polaroid camera, an aerosol deoderant and a vacuum cleaner.
The hero, Captain Jack Absolute, played by Rhy Kasbatch is a likeable leading man throughout as he woos lovely laid-back Lydia Languish (Lucy Briggs-Owen) who sounds as though she has walked off the set of The Only Way Is Chelsea and has a fine old whine.
Happily, her dizzy character has more depth than that TV reality show.
A huge highlight is in the form of a real literary legend, the character Mrs Malaprop - played wonderfully and majestically here by Julie Legrand.
Mrs M wants to marry off her petulant neice.
Heiress today gone tomorrow.
Her wayword way with words never fails to raise a laugh, yet there is a real melancholy about her.
And Desmond Barrit as grumpy Sir Absolute is commanding in every scene.
It is a production that has a money-grabbing maid, a superb sub-plot and some neat musical interludes.
It is clever, stylish and modern in outlook.
Written in 1775, Richard Brinsley Sherudan's work is timeless and well worth a revival.
On the night I saw it the Playhoue Theatre had a fire alarm.
At first it was quite surreal - I thought it was part of the play!
Seeing the audience and cast in Williamson Square awaiting the 'all clear' was a very abstract sight.
Back in the theatre, the cast carried on where they left off leading a fine finale.
Unrivaled Experience
It is at the Playhouse until October 29.
Four stars
Tickets from the box office on 709 4776
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