A groovy reimagining of Sheridan's classic comedy The Rivals
In January 2025, Open Gardens SA and Blue Sky Theatre presented outdoor performances of Jack and The Absolutes in three SA gardens.
It was a groovy reimagining of The Rivals set in 1969.
Jack Absolute is the lead singer of a successful pop group, and he’s in love with Lydia Languish, the wealthy Carnaby Street fashion designer. But Lydia has just returned from Woodstock, where she’s seen the light and wants to forgo fame and fortune and live a bohemian lifestyle with Johnny Beverly, the group’s chilled-out sound guy.
But Lydia’s aunt, Mrs Malaprop, can never allow such a lowly love connection. And Jack’s mother, Lady Antonia Absolute, is determined that her son marries well, whether he likes it or not.
Jack plans to disguise himself as his rival to win Lydia’s love. But he has more challengers than he realises — the rest of the band are planning to woo Lydia, too!
Director Dave Simms says Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s original comedy was written in 1775 and introduced the infamous Mrs Malaprop.
“She’s one of theatre’s greatest characters renowned for using the wrong words when trying to impress,” explained Dave. “You could say she’s a parsonage of great lexicographical dexterity and faultless electrocution!”
Starring / Laura Antoniazzi / Robert Bell / Joshua Coldwell / Lee Cook / Emily Currie / Gabe Mangelsdorf / Lucy Johnson / Lindsay Prodea / Nicole Rutty / Georgia Stockham / Leighton Vogt / Director / Dave Simms
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