Overview
Synopsis
Set in fashionable Bath, The Rivals centers around the complicated relationship between Lydia Languish and Captain Jack Absolute. Guided by popular novels of the time, wealthy heiress Lydia desires to be swept away by the type of romantic love affair that she finds lacking in the social circles in which she moves. To woo Lydia, Jack Absolute disguises himself as the poor but passionate Ensign Beverley and steals her heart. However, Lydia is under the guardianship of the comical Mrs. Malaprop, who is determined that Lydia must make a good, practical marriage. Likewise, Sir Anthony Absolute is equally determined that his son, Jack, will marry well and increase his fortunes. Thus, Lydia and Jack are thrust together by their guardians, but Lydia maintains her determination to marry ‘Ensign Beverley’.
Outside of her wishes for her niece, Mrs. Malaprop herself has fallen passionately in love with the younger Irish baronet, Sir Lucius O’Trigger. With the assistance of her maid, Lucy, she writes love letters to him under the pen name of Delia; however, he believes that he is courting the wealthy Lydia! Meanwhile, Lydia’s sensible cousin Julia faces marital issues of her own when her intended husband Faulkland refuses to accept her loyalty and faithfulness to him, choosing instead to constantly make problems where there are none. With confusion reigning supreme, the truth is eventually revealed and, despite initially spurning Jack Absolute for his deceit, Lydia agrees to marry her true love. Mrs. Malaprop, however, is not so lucky as Sir Lucius recoils in horror when his true correspondent is revealed. The Rivals satirizes the social expectations of courtship and marriage among the upper classes, while also exploring themes of honor and the role of women in the eighteenth century.
Show Information
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 5
- First Produced
- 1775
- Genres
- Comedy, Satire
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- Bath, England, Eighteenth century
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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|
Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A satirical genre of the English Renaissance focusing on urban life and social behavior.
A Comedy of Manners is a dramatic genre that satirizes the customs, behaviors, and social norms of a particular class or group, often through witty dialogue and clever banter. It typically focuses on relationships, courtship, and social pretensions, exposing human vanity and hypocrisy. This style thrives on sharp humor and quick repartee, making it both entertaining and socially revealing.
Refers to the period of British history under Kings George I–IV; Georgian theatre saw the rise of sentimental comedy and opera.
Works not protected by copyright and available for free use or adaptation. Many classical plays, including Shakespeare's, fall into the public domain.
Satire is a dramatic style that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize human behavior, social institutions, or political systems. In theatre, it highlights flaws and hypocrisies through wit and parody, encouraging audiences to laugh while also reflecting on serious issues. Satire can range from lighthearted comedy to biting social commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher