‘There’s no possibility of being witty without a little ill nature.’

1770s London, where the aristocracy’s morals have plunged lower than the necklines on the women’s gowns. The vicious Lady Sneerwell enjoys ruining reputations for pleasure, and her latest target is the young bachelor Charles Surface  — why should this pretentious little rake inherit his uncle’s fortune? Together with Charles’ conniving brother Joseph, Sneerwell orchestrates an elaborate scheme of intrigue and infidelity that’s sure to ruffle all the right feathers — hopefully.

After Shakespeare but long before Bridgerton, there was The School for Scandal, Sheridan’s brilliantly biting comedy of manners in five acts. This new production — styled to the nines with period flair — promises an exuberant feast of big wigs and even bigger laughs.

Tinuke Craig, Artistic Associate at the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, directs. Recent work includes Jitney (The Old Vic for Headlong), The Color Purple (Leicester Curve) and Crave (Chichester).

Cast and creatives

Royal Shakespeare Theatre Stratford-upon-Avon

• Running time: 2 hrs 55 mins (including a 20 mins interval)

Photo credit: Marc Brenner