The Rivals is a restoration comedy of the highest order, involving plenty of mistaken identity, outrageous faux pas, and other comedic misunderstandings on the road to love. A familiar formula to many, but, even to the robust sensibilities of contemporary Bath, a daring one. Perhaps this is because of it’s slightly autobiographical nature (Sheridan presents hysterically exaggerated glimpses of his own life in order to prevent possible detractors from taking them seriously), but, though only his first effort of play writing, this work is still hailed as one of the most incisive, irreverent, and enduring plays in the Sheridan canon.
Continue reading