Summer 2025

The Rivals,  a 17th Century comedy adventure by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

When fashionable 18th century London society comes to take the waters in the spa-town of Bath, comic confusion, daring duels and romantic entanglements abound.
At the centre of it all is heiress Lydia Languish, who is determined to elope with the penniless Ensign Beverly rather than marry the eligible Jack Absolute.

Come and sample the sparkling wit and whirlwind plot of The Rivals, a Restoration Comedy which has delighted audiences for over 250 years with its collection of comic characters, including the formidable Mrs Malaprop, a creation so famous for the way she mangles the English language that her name is now immortalised in the dictionary.

This brand new adaptation combines Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s masterpiece with Rain or Shine’s fast and furious comic flair.

Some of last year's Audience Comments

"We were fortunate enough to watch the brilliant performance of ‘the Importance of being Earnest’ given by Rain or Shine at Cawley Hall, Herefordshire last night. I am an ex English & drama teacher & inspector so I know the play well. This is one of the best performances of ‘Earnest’ I’ve ever seen. Well done!👏👏"  -- Jackie 

"Thank you, thank you, thank you for a perfect evening. It was just wonderful - so slick, so clever, so joyful. A complete and utter delight." -- Anita