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The Orange Tree Theatre in London has announced full casting and creatives for its 250th anniversary production of Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s classic comedy The Rivals this Christmas.

The Rivals will play at the Orange Tree from 29 November 2025 to 24 January 2026, before touring to Theatre Royal Bath (27-31 January 2026) and Cambridge Arts Theatre (3-7 February 2026).

Directed by the Orange Tree’s Artistic Director Tom Littler, the production will star Robert Bathurst (Cold Feet) as Anthony Absolute, and Patricia Hodge (Miranda) as Mrs Malaprop.

They will be joined by Pete Ashmore as Frederick Arnold Gieves, Joëlle Brabban as Lucy, Zoe Brough as Lydia Languish, Dylan Corbett-Bader as Bob Acres, Jim Findley as Thomas, Colm Gormley as Lucius O’Trigger, Robert Maskell as David, Boadicea Ricketts as Julia Melville, James Sheldon as ‘Faulty’ Faulkland, Kit Young as Jack Absolute.

The wider creative team includes Set and Costume Design by Anett Black and Neil Irish; Lighting Design by William Reynolds; Sound Design and Composition by Tom Attwood; Movement Direction by Leah Harris; Assistant Direction by Freya Griffiths; Costume Supervision by Emma Kylmälä; and Casting Consultant Ginny Schiller CDG.

Director Tom Littler said in a statement: “It’s a real pleasure to be working with this brilliant company on The Rivals. Each actor brings their own insight, energy, and creativity, and I’m excited to see how we’ll capture Sheridan’s humour and wit in the glamour and chaos of the Roaring Twenties.”

The Rivals is playing at the Orange Tree from 29 November 2025 to 24 January 2026.

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Main photo: The Rivals - Patricia Hodge (Photo Alisa Connan), Robert Bathurst (Photo Seamus Ryan)

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