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The Rivals: A Radio Dramatization Audiobook
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(3.01) - 597 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The Rivals has been delighting audiences since its very first presentation at London's Covent Garden Theatre on January 17th, 1775. The idealistic Lydia Languish, reads nothing but romantic novels, and in doing so, believes she can only find true love in the arms of a man without wealth. Captain Jack Absolute has fallen in love with her, and pretends to be a penniless ensign to win her heart. Coming between these two lovers are some of the most extraordinary comic characters ever to grace a stage; the autocratic Sir Anthony Absolute, the misspeaking Mrs. Malaprop, the fiery Irishman from Clod hall - Sir Lucius O’Trigger; and poor Bob Acres, a country squire who finds himself with a dueling pistol in his hand. One of the funniest late-Restoration comedies, “The Rivals” has spanned the centuries, and will continue to do so.
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"One of the few plays I know of that is as good to read as it is to see performed (the other that comes to mind is Wilde's The Importance of Being Ernest) Sheridan is witty, and some, if not all, of the jokes, especially the running gag of Mrs. Malaprop, are almost better grasped when read."
— Rob (5 out of 5 stars)
The Rivals Listener Reviews
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" I loved this classic, the sarcasm and irony. If you like at all Shakespeare or The Importance Of Being Earnest you should read this book, it's funny, very amusing. "
— Emily, 12/27/2013 -
" I enjoyed Sheridan's sprightly wit. "
— Sharon, 10/19/2013 -
" Such a delightful play. Laughed, but also learned some valuable lessions. "
— Victoria, 10/7/2013 -
" I think I need to re-read this. "
— Jordi, 5/14/2013 -
" An old British play which introduces us to a great character, Mrs. Malaprop. Sheridan is a master at language and wordplay. This could have been a screwball comedy from the 30's or 40's/ "
— Tim, 2/25/2013 -
" Rivals (New Mermaid Series) by Richard Sheridan (1980) "
— Risa, 5/21/2012 -
" A humourous play, enjoyed it more than I thought I would. More appreciated when performed than read though, like most plays. Very interesting and enlightening ponderings of love, especially through the character of Faulkland and his relationship with Julia. "
— Jake, 2/14/2012 -
" A hilarious comedy poking fun at C18th aristocratic society. "
— Khaled, 11/29/2011 -
" Was a decent book, but kind of long. The play was substantially better than the book because there you could really see the comedy in a way you just can't when reading. Mrs. Malaprop was by far my favorite, and Lucy really got under my skin sometimes. "
— Stephanie, 10/14/2011 -
" Read it in high school. "
— Heather, 10/9/2011 -
" 1775 Also found in "Eighteenth-Century Plays" paperback by Ricardo Quintana "
— Ann, 8/11/2011 -
" Great play! Listen to a good audio. Find out where "malapropism" comes from. "
— David, 3/7/2011 -
" Better than "the school for scandal," in my opinion. Still, just another restoration comedy piece. But a pretty good one anyways. "
— Scroutch, 2/15/2011 -
" A humourous play, enjoyed it more than I thought I would. More appreciated when performed than read though, like most plays. Very interesting and enlightening ponderings of love, especially through the character of Faulkland and his relationship with Julia. "
— Jake, 2/11/2011 -
" 1775 Also found in "Eighteenth-Century Plays" paperback by Ricardo Quintana "
— Ann, 2/8/2011 -
" I loved this classic, the sarcasm and irony. If you like at all Shakespeare or The Importance Of Being Earnest you should read this book, it's funny, very amusing. "
— Emily, 5/1/2009 -
" Better than "the school for scandal," in my opinion. Still, just another restoration comedy piece. But a pretty good one anyways. "
— Scroutch, 6/28/2008 -
" I think I need to re-read this. "
— Jordi, 3/10/2008
About Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1816) was a beloved Irish-born playwright of the eighteenth century. He left a career in law to pursue theater, and in less than a year had made a name for himself among contemporary dramatists. Though best-remembered as the author of brilliant comedies of manners, Sheridan was also a significant politician and orator, serving as secretary of foreign affairs, secretary to the treasury, treasurer of the navy, and a member of Parliament for thirty-two years.