OVER 250 years of wit, romance and comic confusion will be celebrated when Sheridan’s classic comedy of manners The Rivals arrives at Goodrich Castle near Ross-on-Wye on Saturday August 23.

This brand-new adaptation combines Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s comic masterpiece with Rain or Shine Theatre Company’s fast and furious comic flair.

“The play is famous for its sparkling wit and whirlwind plot which is perfectly suited to Rain or Shine’s amazingly talented multi-rolling cast who take audiences on a roller-coaster of passion, romantic confusion, and deadly duels,’ comments artistic director, Jonathan Legg, who also adapted the text. ‘It’s the 250th anniversary of the play’s first production in 1775, a remarkable milestone, so it was the perfect choice for this year’s outdoor tour.’

The play, set in the spa-town of Bath includes an array of amazing comic characters, including the wonderful Mrs Malaprop, a creation so famous for the way she mangles the English language that her name is now immortalised in the dictionary. Expect mistaken identities, romantic chaos, flamboyant costumes, and linguistic lunacy!

Gloucester based Rain or Shine is one of the country’s leading outdoor professional theatre companies, having delighted audiences around the country for over 25 years.

“Our aim is to bring quality professional classical theatre into the heart of local communities at an affordable cost,” explains company director Ken Meekings.

“This year’s tour takes in 55 dates, and it’s been a fantastic summer with a really amazing audience response. We’re absolutely delighted to be playing Goodrich Castle, which is such a beautiful setting, so do come along with a picnic, or even a bottle of bubbly - or two!’

The play starts at 7.30pm with gates opening at 6.30pm for picnics, and people are reminded to being along their own seating. Tickets can be pre-booked at: www.rainorshine.co.uk/summer_tourdates.html