The School for Scandal, The Rivals & The Duenna

Synopsis

Three of the ever-popular Sheridan’s finest playsBorn in Dublin in 1751, Richard Brinsley Sheridan was a theatre impresario, statesman and the most celebrated playwright of his time. His brilliantly witty comedies of manners have become part of the literary canon, and are frequently performed around the world. This collection comprises three classic radio productions of his best works, performed by star casts including Barbara Mitchell, Rolf Lefebvre, Dorothy Tutin, Flora Robson, Dennis Quilley and Patricia Routledge.The School For Scandal – Collated from two manuscripts corrected by Sheridan himself, this 1967 radio version of his most famous play introduces us to gossip-monger Lady Sneerwell, who loves nothing more than spreading slander and ruining reputations. When she sets her sights on the young, rakish Charles Surface, the stage is set for scandal...The Rivals – Set in 18th century Bath, where the wealthy and fashionable come to take the waters, Sheridan’s sparkling debut centres around young lovers Jack Absolute and Lydia Languish. Knowing his beloved is resolved never to marry a rich man, the aristocratic Jack pretends to be the poor soldier Ensign Beverley. Lydia is overjoyed at the thought of eloping with Beverley under the nose of her guardian, Mrs Malaprop – but how will she react when her romantic dreams are shattered?The Duenna – Spanish nobleman Don Jerome wishes his daughter to marry the wealthy merchant Isaac Mendoza. Louisa, however, has given her heart to the impoverished Don Antonio. With the help of her duenna, can she secure her true love? This comic operetta features an early performance from Dame Patricia Routledge, who talks at the end of the production about her time playing Donna Clara.First published 1775 (The Rivals, The Duenna), 1777 (The School for Scandal)Cast and creditsWritten by Richard Brinsley SheridanThe School for ScandalLady Sneerwell – Barbara MitchellSnake – Rolf LefebvreJoseph Surface – Alan BadelMaria – Hilda SchroderMrs Candour – Barbara CouperCrabtree – Max AdrianSir Benjamin Backbite – David MarchSir Peter Teazle – Maurice DenhamRowley – Ronald HerdmanLady Teazle – Dorothy TutinSir Oliver Surface – Hamlyn BensonMoses – Haydn JonesTrip – Leroy LingwoodCharles Surface – John QuentinCareless – Alexander JohnSir Toby Bumper – Alan DudleyMaid – Rosalind ShanksWritten by Richard Brinsley Sheridan with the Epilogue by George ColmanProduced by Charles LefeauxBBC Midland Light Orchestra Leader: James HutcheonConductor: Gilbert VinterThe RivalsMrs Malaprop – Flora RobsonSir Anthony Absolute – Peter PrattLydia Languish – Christine FinnCaptain Absolute – Bernard BrownBob Acres – William IngramJulia – Rosalind ShanksFaulkland – Peter TuddenhamSir Lucius O’Trigger – Denys HawthorneLucy – Barbara MitchellFag – Christopher BidmeadDavid – Ronald HerdmanThomas – Alan DudleyBoy/Maid – Carol MarshServant – LeRoy LingwoodDirected by Betty DaviesThe DuennaDon Antonio – Denis QuilleyDonna Louisa – Jane WenhamDon Jerome – Alan DudleyDon Carlos – Gordon FaithDon Ferdinand – Barrie InghamDonna Clara – Patricia RoutledgeThe Duenna – Betty Huntley-WrightIsaac Mendoza – Peter PrattPepita – Valerie KirkbrightFather Paul – Aubrey WoodsLopez – Andrew SachsWritten by Richard Brinsley Sheridan and adapted by Lionel HarrisAdapted for radio and produced by Peter BryantMusic composed by Julian Slade, played by the Sinfonia of London conducted by Marcus Dods© 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd