The Rivals with Penelope Keith and Peter Bowles

The Theatre Royal Bath touring production of Richard Brinsley Sheridan's The Rivals, starring Penelope Keith, Peter Bowles, directed by Peter Hall, transfers to the West End's Haymarket Theatre, opening 23 Nov 2010, following previews from 10 Nov - booking to 26 Feb 2011.

Penelope Keith and Peter Bowles, starred together in the 80s sitcom To the Manor Born. This is the first time they have appeared onstage together.

Penelope Keith London stage credits include "The Importance of Being Earnest" at the Vaudeville in 2008; "Blithe Spirit" at the Savoy in 2004 and "Star Quality" at the Apollo in 2001. She is also best known for her role in the TV sitcom The Good Life.

Peter Bowles, London stage credits include "Hay Fever" at the Haymarket in 2006; "Joe & I" at the King's Head (Fringe) in 2005; "Wait Until Dark" at the Garrick in 2003; "Sleuth" at the Apollo in 2002; "The Beau" and "The Royal Family" at the Haymarket in 2001; "Major Barbara" & "The Misanthrope" at the Piccadilly in 1998; "School For Wives" at the Piccadilly & Comedy in 1997; "Present Laughter" at the Aldwych & Wyndham's in 1996; "In Praise of Love" at the Apollo in 1995.

It's 1775 and the fashionable world descends on Bath, to take the waters, show off its finery, enjoy the gossip and pursue romance. Among them are some of the most extraordinary comic characters to grace the stage: the verbally misguided Mrs Malaprop, her absurdly romantic niece, Lydia Languish, the blinkered Sir Anthony Absolute, the blustering Irishman Sir Lucius O'Trigger and the bumpkin Bob Acres. Throughout the course of a single day these suitors and schemers and their servants indulge in an assortment of extravagant intrigues before everyone is finally and satisfactorily coupled.