New Forest Open Air Theatre

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The Rivals

Furzey Gardens August 2nd - 25th 2025

The Rivals

The 250th anniversary production of Sheridan's comic masterpiece, presented with live music and song by the West End company of New Forest Open Air Theatre (previously London Touring Players).

If you enjoyed "Hay Fever", "Twelfth Night", "The Comedy of Errors" or "The Importance of Being Earnest", this is the same team.

Sheridan's famous comedy of love, hijinks and mistaken identity set in the Edwardian age with live jazz, swashbuckling soldiers, and hearts a-flutter.

A perfect summer evening treat at the idyllic Furzey Gardens for this celebration of joy, wit and good humour. Laughter guaranteed!

Cast
  • Fag - Matthew Johnson
  • Thomas/David/O'Trigger's Servant - Alexander Nicholls
  • Lydia Languish - Holly Jackson Walters
  • Lucy - Tracey Ann Wood
  • Julia - Pandora Clifford
  • Mrs. Malaprop - Erika Poole
  • Sir Anthony Absolute - Adam Morris
  • Captain Jack Absolute/guitar - Toby Baddeley
  • Faulkland - Liam Thorley
  • Bob Acres - Matthew Wellard
  • Sir Lucius O'Trigger - Matthew David Jones
  • Ensemble/Cello - Emma Whittaker
  • Ensemble/Violin/Accordian - Kitty Lardner
  • Ensemble/harp - Poppy Parfitt
  • Additional composition - Simon Slater
  • Fight Direction - Phillip D'Orleans

Gallery



Photography Marc Brenner