The Rivals - A Comedy

"The Rivals: A Comedy" by Richard Brinsley Sheridan is a comedy of manners in five acts. The plot centres on the two young lovers, Lydia and Jack. Lydia, who reads a lot of popular novels of the time, wants a purely romantic love affair. To court her, Jack pretends to be "Ensign Beverley", a poor army officer. Lydia is enthralled with the idea of eloping with a poor soldier in spite of the objections of her guardian, Mrs. Malaprop. Lydia has two other suitors: Bob Acres and Sir Lucius O'Trigger who all compete for her affection.