Three of the ever-popular Sheridan’s finest plays

Born in Dublin in 1751, Richard Brinsley Sheridan was a theatre impresario, statesman and the most celebrated playwright of his time. His brilliantly witty comedies of manners have become part of the literary canon, and are frequently performed around the world. This collection comprises three classic radio productions of his best works, performed by star casts including Barbara Mitchell, Rolf Lefebvre, Dorothy Tutin, Flora Robson, Dennis Quilley and Patricia Routledge.

The School For Scandal – Collated from two manuscripts corrected by Sheridan himself, this 1967 radio version of his most famous play introduces us to gossip-monger Lady Sneerwell, who loves nothing more than spreading slander and ruining reputations. When she sets her sights on the young, rakish Charles Surface, the stage is set for scandal...

The Rivals – Set in 18th century Bath, where the wealthy and fashionable come to take the waters, Sheridan’s sparkling debut centres around young lovers Jack Absolute and Lydia Languish. Knowing his beloved is resolved never to marry a rich man, the aristocratic Jack pretends to be the poor soldier Ensign Beverley. Lydia is overjoyed at the thought of eloping with Beverley under the nose of her guardian, Mrs Malaprop – but how will she react when her romantic dreams are shattered?

The Duenna – Spanish nobleman Don Jerome wishes his daughter to marry the wealthy merchant Isaac Mendoza. Louisa, however, has given her heart to the impoverished Don Antonio. With the help of her duenna, can she secure her true love? This comic operetta features an early performance from Dame Patricia Routledge, who talks at the end of the production about her time playing Donna Clara.

First published 1775 (The Rivals, The Duenna), 1777 (The School for Scandal)

Cast and credits
Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

The School for Scandal
Lady Sneerwell – Barbara Mitchell
Snake – Rolf Lefebvre
Joseph Surface – Alan Badel
Maria – Hilda Schroder
Mrs Candour – Barbara Couper
Crabtree – Max Adrian
Sir Benjamin Backbite – David March
Sir Peter Teazle – Maurice Denham
Rowley – Ronald Herdman
Lady Teazle – Dorothy Tutin
Sir Oliver Surface – Hamlyn Benson
Moses – Haydn Jones
Trip – Leroy Lingwood
Charles Surface – John Quentin
Careless – Alexander John
Sir Toby Bumper – Alan Dudley
Maid – Rosalind Shanks
Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan with the Epilogue by George Colman
Produced by Charles Lefeaux
BBC Midland Light Orchestra Leader: James Hutcheon
Conductor: Gilbert Vinter

The Rivals
Mrs Malaprop – Flora Robson
Sir Anthony Absolute – Peter Pratt
Lydia Languish – Christine Finn
Captain Absolute – Bernard Brown
Bob Acres – William Ingram
Julia – Rosalind Shanks
Faulkland – Peter Tuddenham
Sir Lucius O’Trigger – Denys Hawthorne
Lucy – Barbara Mitchell
Fag – Christopher Bidmead
David – Ronald Herdman
Thomas – Alan Dudley
Boy/Maid – Carol Marsh
Servant – LeRoy Lingwood
Directed by Betty Davies

The Duenna
Don Antonio – Denis Quilley
Donna Louisa – Jane Wenham
Don Jerome – Alan Dudley
Don Carlos – Gordon Faith
Don Ferdinand – Barrie Ingham
Donna Clara – Patricia Routledge
The Duenna – Betty Huntley-Wright
Isaac Mendoza – Peter Pratt
Pepita – Valerie Kirkbright
Father Paul – Aubrey Woods
Lopez – Andrew Sachs
Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan and adapted by Lionel Harris
Adapted for radio and produced by Peter Bryant
Music composed by Julian Slade, played by the Sinfonia of London conducted by Marcus Dods

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