Sheridan's The Rivals at the Arcola Theatre Dalston

The Arcola Theatre in Dalston, east London will present a revival of Richard Brinsley Sheridan's 1775 play The Rivals from 15 October to 15 November 2014, with an official opening on 21 October 2014.

This new production will be directed by Selina Cadell who is best known for her work as a British stage actress, in roles as diverse as Alan Bennett's 'People' and 'The Habit of Art' at the National Theatre and Sam Mendes' production of 'The Cherry Orchard' at the Old Vic Theatre and on Broadway.

The cast will include Gemma Jones (Mrs Malaprop), Nick Le Prevost (Sir Anthony Absolute), Ian Batchelor, (Captain Jack Absolut), Adam Jackson-Smith (Faulkland), Justin Edwards (Bob Acres), Adrian McLoughlin (Sir Lucius O'Trigger/ Thomas), Carl Prekopp (Fag/David), Jenny Rainsford (Lydia Languish), Justine Mitchell (Julia Melvill) and Hannah Stokely (Lucy).

The Rivals, first performed 240 years ago, is one of the most popular comedies in the Restoration canon. Set in the summer streets of Bath, town meets country as society begins to play and the stakes of money, reputation and inheritance are at stake. The much admired Lydia Languish, and her infamous Aunt Mrs. Malaprop who is known for her hilarious behaviour and nonsensical misuse of words, live amidst frolic, deceit, secret assignations and misalliances.

The production will feature set design by Emma Bailey, costume design by Ros Ebbutt and lighting design by Tom Boucher. It is produced by Arcola Theatre.