When Richard Brinsley Sheridan wrote The Rivals he was, according to his biographer Fintan O'Toole, attempting to "inflate everything people knew about him into a huge hysterical burlesque.Instead of inventing a story and pretending it was real, he could present his own reality".

The result is a romance told with humour and emotion, which has become one of English theatre's most-loved tales.

Stephanie Cole stars in a colourful romp of love, deceit, and mistaken identity, which is set in Bath during the course of one day in 1775.

Lydia is in love with penniless Ensign Beverley, to the horror of her aunt Mrs Malaprop who wants her niece to marry the eligible Captain Jack Absolute. Little do the women know both men are really one and the same person.

Cole stars as the infamous Mrs Malaprop, a character renowned for her misuse of the English language. She is joined by George Baker as Sir Anthony.

The Rivals is directed by Olivier and BAFTA award winner Christopher Morahan, whose other recent stage work includes Daisy Miller. He also directed the film Clockwise starring John Cleese and the acclaimed TV series The Jewel In The Crown and A Dance To The Music of Time.

Starts 7.45pm, plus 2.30pm Thurs/Sat. Tickets £15-£24, call 08700 606 650.