Orange Tree Theatre has announced the full cast and creative team for its 250th anniversary production of Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s comic classic The Rivals.
Directed by Artistic Director Tom Littler, the production stars Robert Bathurst and Patricia Hodge, alongside Pete Ashmore, Joëlle Brabban, Zoe Brough, Dylan Corbett-Bader, Jim Findley, Colm Gormley, Robert Maskell, Boadicea Ricketts, James Sheldon and Kit Young.
Tom Littler said, “It’s a real pleasure to be working with this brilliant company on The Rivals. Each actor brings their own insight, energy, and creativity, and I’m excited to see how we’ll capture Sheridan’s humour and wit in the glamour and chaos of the Roaring Twenties.”
The Rivals will run at Orange Tree Theatre from 29 November 2025 to 24 January 2026, with a press night on 5 December at 7pm.
Following its Richmond run, The Rivals will tour to Theatre Royal Bath (27–31 January 2026) and Cambridge Arts Theatre (3–7 February 2026).
Set in the Roaring Twenties, the production promises risqué revelry, romance, and rivalry in Bath’s Assembly Rooms, where tradition clashes with 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 absolutely 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…
Listings and ticket information can be found here
