A POPULAR dramatic society is set to return with another blockbuster show.

The next production to follow in a successful 2017 season from Sudbury Dramatic Society is Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s comedy The Rivals.

After The Railway Children blew audiences away in July, this time SDS are set to show their comedic worth with this tale mocking conventions of romantic love.

Set in Bath, in 1775, the beautiful Lydia is living with her old aunt, Mrs Malaprop, a widow whose ability to mangle the English language is legendary.

In a story full of mistaken and hidden identities, Lydia is determined to refuse an arranged marriage with Captain Jack Absolute, whom she has never met, and elope with the penniless Ensign Beverley.

However, Ensign Beverley is actually Jack Absolute who is courting Lydia in disguise.

Mrs Malaprop is encouraging another suitor to Lydia’s hand, who is persuaded to challenge the fictitious Beverley to a duel.

As the course of true love never does run smooth, will everything end happily?

Jack’s friend Faulkland is in love with Lydia’s friend Julia, but they quarrel over Faulkland’s jealousy, making elaborate and high-flown speeches about true love.

Sheridan is quick to satirise in this comedy of manners, which mocks the eighteenth-century conventions of romantic love, even as The Rivals follows the fortunes of the young lovers.

Denis Brogan returns to the directing chair for the latest production, which will excite many fans who will remember him from a well-received series of plays by Oscar Wilde.

His expertise will be invaluable as the cast tackle this challenging, but enthralling production.

The Rivals will run from September 5 to September 9 at The Quay Theatre. Starting at 7.45pm.

Call the theatre box Office on 01787 374745 or visit quaysudbury.org.uk.