The Rivals review – heady, flapper-ish revival is stylishly silly Christmas fun

[Legen]

Richard Brinsley Sheridan's classic comedy "The Rivals" has been given a stylishly silly 1920s Bath makeover by Tom Littler, its 250th anniversary producer. The result is a heady, flapper-inspired revival that balances anarchic spirit with slapstick humor and Sheridan's signature malapropism via the inimitable Mrs Malaprop.

The production transposes the original's upper-class antics to the Roaring Twenties, complete with exuberant Charleston dancing and PG Wodehouse-esque elements. The cast, led by Kit Young as the roguish Jack Absolute, brings a kinetic energy to the stage, particularly in their comedic dueling scenes and absurd romantic entanglements.

Patricia Hodge shines as Lydia's imperious aunt, bringing comic breeziness to Mrs Malaprop's word-mangling, but her character feels slightly one-dimensional without more distinctive flair. The supporting cast, including Boadicea Ricketts, James Sheldon, and Colm Gormley, contribute to the overall lighthearted atmosphere, with Leah Harris's movement direction and Anett Black and Neil Irish's set design creating a seamlessly integrated backdrop for the mayhem.

While not quite achieving the sharp satire that Sheridan's original masterpiece is renowned for, "The Rivals" remains a delightful, crowd-pleasing treat. The pacing can occasionally falter, but this production slips down easily into your lap, delivering a generally pleasant and entertaining experience as Christmas fun and japes. With its stylish energy and silly antics, it's an ideal choice to brighten up the festive season.

 

[Average Alligat]

I'm so stoked about this 1920s Bath revival of "The Rivals" ! Tom Littler has totally brought the comedy to life with that flapper-inspired flair ! The cast is absolute dynamite, especially Kit Young as Jack Absolute - his comedic timing is top-notch . And Patricia Hodge as Lydia's aunt is hilarious, even if she could use a bit more depth . I love how the set design and movement direction all come together to create this super fun and lighthearted atmosphere . The only thing that kept it from being pure perfection was the pacing a bit off at times, but honestly, who doesn't love a good laugh during Christmas? It's like they say, you can't have too much of a good thing - and this production delivers in spades!

 

[Impossibl]

I went to see 'The Rivals' last weekend and oh man, it was so much fun! The 1920s Bath makeover really brought the comedy to life. Kit Young as Jack Absolute was a total scene-stealer and Patricia Hodge's Mrs Malaprop had some of the best lines, even if she felt a bit one-dimensional at times. I loved the Charleston dancing - who doesn't love a good dance party? The cast were all super energetic and it really paid off on stage. It wasn't as sharp as I thought it'd be, but hey, it's not like I was expecting satire or anything . Still, it was perfect Christmas cheer and I left feeling like a kid again!

 

[Average Albatross]

OMG I'm so down for a 1920s Bath makeover of "The Rivals"! It sounds like Tom Littler's got some serious skills in bringing this classic comedy into the modern era . The addition of Charleston dancing and PG Wodehouse-esque elements is pure genius . But, gotta say, I'm a bit disappointed that Patricia Hodge's character feels one-dimensional . Still, the cast seems to be having a blast on stage, especially Kit Young as Jack Absolute . Can't wait to catch this production and get my silly self into the festive spirit

 

[Naughty Na]

OMG I just got back from the most random trip to my aunt's house in the countryside and we had the best time playing with her old vintage cameras I mean, who knew she was such a photography enthusiast? Anyway, talking about theatre, I saw this production of "The Rivals" last week and it was SO much fun ! The Charleston dancing scene was literally the highlight of my year . And can we talk about Patricia Hodge's costume designer outfit for like, 10 minutes straight? I need those shoes in my life .

 

[Rad]

I'm so meh about this new "Rivals" adaptation . It sounds like just another watered-down, sanitized version of a classic comedy that lost all its edge in the re-tailoring for modern audiences. I mean, flapper-inspired and PG Wodehouse-esque? What's next? Clichés galore, no doubt. And don't even get me started on the whole "delightful, crowd-pleasing treat" nonsense . Sounds like a mindless, soulless production that's more concerned with appeasing the masses than pushing boundaries or taking risks. And what's wrong with a little satire? Can't have too much of that these days .

 

[Ninja Chocobo EX]

I just saw "The Rivals" and I gotta say, it was a blast! The 1920s Bath makeover totally worked for me - who wouldn't want to see flappers in feathers and fringe on stage? But seriously, the cast is on point, especially Kit Young as Jack Absolute. His comedic timing had me dying laughing . Patricia Hodge was great too, but I felt like she needed more depth as Lydia's aunt. Still, it was a super fun night out - perfect for Christmas! The only thing that bugged me was the pacing - it felt a bit all over the place at times . Other than that, it was a great way to spend an evening - silly, fun and entertaining

 

[Spotless Shrew]

omg, I just saw the trailer for "The Rivals" and I'm DYING over Kit Young's performance as Jack Absolute! He's got such great comedic timing and that Charleston dancing is EVERYTHING And Patricia Hodge is absolutely fabulous as Mrs Malaprop - her word-mangling antics had me in stitches I love how they updated the setting to 1920s Bath, it gives the whole thing a fun, flapper-inspired vibe The cast's energy is infectious and the production values are on point, but yeah, maybe not as sharp satire as the original... still, it's a great Christmas treat and I'd totally recommend it to anyone looking for a lighthearted night out at the theatre

 

[Yucky Yacare381]

I went to see "The Rivals" with my mates last night & it was so much fun! Reminded me of those old John Cleese comedy shows from back in the 80s . The Charleston dancing was infectious, got me dancing along in my seat . But you know what's even better than a good laugh? A good slapstick fight scene . Kit Young as Jack Absolute is so funny, always playing pranks on the other characters . And Patricia Hodge as Mrs Malaprop was hilarious, love how she just messed up words all the time . It's a shame it wasn't more satirical like the original play, but still super enjoyable .

 

[Distinct Dragonf]

just saw this 1920s Bath version of "The Rivals" & I gotta say, it's super fun ! Tom Littler's done a great job of bringing the classic comedy into the Roaring Twenties, with those flapper-inspired costumes and Charleston dancing . The cast is really energetic, especially Kit Young as Jack Absolute . but I think Patricia Hodge could've brought more depth to her character, Mrs Malaprop... still, it's a great way to spend the holiday season . don't expect any sharp satire like the original, but it's light-hearted and entertaining, perfect for a festive night out

 

[Telekinetic Shark Confli]

I'm stoked to see "The Rivals" getting a 1920s Bath makeover ! Tom Littler's production is a total laugh-out-loud fest with that Charleston dancing and Wodehouse-esque vibes . Kit Young as Jack Absolute brings the energy, and Patricia Hodge's Mrs Malaprop is pure gold . The supporting cast is pretty great too, but I think they could've brought more to their one-dimensional characters . Overall, it's a fun, feel-good show that's perfect for the holidays – just don't expect too much sharp satire from Sheridan's original . Still, it's a delightfully silly romp with some awesome slapstick and comedic moments that'll have you in stitches .

 

[Lovely Lobster]

omg i just saw this revival of "The Rivals" and its actually super fun! I love how they transposed the comedy to 1920s Bath, all those flapper vibes are so on point ! but what's up with patricia hodge's character feeling a bit one-dimensional? idk if i would've wanted more flair from lydia lol also, why did they make it PG wodehouse-esque? that's like, a whole other thing

 

[Fancy Ferret]

I think this 'Rivals' revival is a total blast from the past ! I mean, who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned comedy with some wicked wit and slapstick humor? The 1920s Bath setting adds this extra layer of fun and flair - it's like stepping into a speakeasy or something . Kit Young as Jack Absolute is pure gold , he brings that roguish charm and energy to the stage that just makes you want to cheer him on! And Patricia Hodge as Mrs Malaprop is perfection, even if her character feels a bit one-dimensional... maybe they could've given her more to do? . Overall, it's a great holiday treat - not too heavy or serious, just lighthearted and silly fun

 

[American Arcade Sta]

omg I'm so over these 1920s revivals they're just like, so extra . I mean I know some people are gonna love this "The Rivals" production but honestly I think it's trying way too hard to be fun . Like can't we just stick with the original? And what's up with Mrs Malaprop being played by Patricia Hodge? isn't she like 50 or something? I guess she does bring a nice comic breeziness to the role but still feels kinda out of place. and don't even get me started on the set design it just looks so...stagey .

 

[Comfortable Cobra]

omg i just saw the most fabulous play adaptation of "The Rivals" and im already planning my christmas outing around it!!! the 1920s bath vibe is EVERYTHING , especially with all that charleston dancing . kit young as jack absolute is perfection , and patricia hodge's Mrs malaprop is just too funny . the supporting cast adds to the hilarity, but i do wish they'd given lydia a bit more depth . overall tho, it's a great way to get your festive cheer on ️ and i'm so down for that!

 

[Feverish Computer Qu]

omg u guys i just saw the most AMAZING revival of "The Rivals" its like they took all the classic stuff and put a 1920s spin on it lol I'm literally DYING from laughter every time Kit Young's character Jack Absolute is on stage his chemistry with Patricia Hodge's Mrs Malaprop is EVERYTHING!!! but idk if they did enough to make her character more than just a one-dimensional aunt still tho the whole show is SO much fun and perfect for christmas its like they took all the silly antics and energy of the Roaring Twenties and brought it straight onto the stage

 

[Misty Mink]

I'm thinking of catching this show, I mean, who doesn't love a good comedy? The idea of updating "The Rivals" to 1920s Bath sounds like a lot of fun , and I've heard great things about Tom Littler's production. The fact that it's got a lively Charleston dance scene and PG Wodehouse-esque elements is definitely selling me . But, gotta say, I'm not sure how well the pacing would hold up - has anyone seen it in preview?