The Rivals, Arcola Theatre

This production is not short of famous faces, with Nicholas Le Prevost (Shakespeare in Love) as Sir Anthony Absolute and Gemma Jones (most recognisable for playing Bridget’s mother in Bridget Jones’s Diary) as the infamous Mrs Malaprop.
The Arcola may seem an odd choice for this famous classical text, indeed it is the first time that the theatre has staged a late Restoration comedy, yet we are excited to see what director Selina Cadell does with the production. Best known as an actress, Cadell is making a name for herself as an accomplished director of classical comedies. Her 2007 production of The Way of the World found its success in simple design, beautiful acting and precision of language, and this bodes very well for The Rivals. The Arcola does not give room to reinvent with elaborate sets or trickery of staging, but will rather ensure that this genuinely funny restoration comedy must speak for itself.