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The Rivals

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The Rivals

By: Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Narrated by: Edith Evans
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About this listen

A comedy of manners in five acts, The Rivals was Sheridan's second commercially produced play.

The play is set in Bath in the 18th century, a town legendary for conspicuous consumption and fashion at the time. Wealthy, fashionable people went there to "take the waters", which were believed to have healing properties. Bath was much less exclusive than London, and provides an ideal setting for the characters.

The plot centres around the two young lovers, Lydia and Jack. Lydia, who reads a lot of popular novels of the time, wants a purely romantic love affair. To court her, Jack pretends to be "Ensign Beverley", a poor officer. Lydia is enthralled with the idea of eloping with a poor soldier in spite of her guardian, Mrs. Malaprop, a moralistic widow.

©2009 Saland Publishing (P)2009 Saland Publishing Ancient, Classical & Medieval Literature Drama European World Literature

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For Mrs Malaprop

Would you consider the audio edition of The Rivals to be better than the print version?

All plays are written to be performed

What other book might you compare The Rivals to, and why?

The School for Scandal, also by Sheridan

Which character – as performed by Edith Evans – was your favourite?

Mrs Malaprop, surely the best ever!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Plenty that moved me to laughter

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