Our next production
Spring 2026 Production
Jack Absolute Flies Again!
by Richard Bean and Oliver Chris
An adaptation of Sheridan’s The Rivals set in 1940, with plenty of wit, action and rivalry in love. Oh and Malapropisms!
16th – 18th April, 2026. Merlin Theatre, Frome
Directed by Richard Wright.
If you have any questions, our Director Richard Wright is happy to be contacted on richardwrightwells@btinternet.com
SYNOPSIS
July 1940. East Sussex. After an aerial dogfight, Pilot Officer Jack Absolute flies home to win the heart of his old flame, Lydia Languish. However, this society beauty now espouses female emancipation and workers’ rights, stirring passion among the airmen.
Back on British soil, Jack’s advances soon turn to anarchy when the young heiress demands to be loved on her own, very particular, terms.
Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s classic comedy of manners, The Rivals, is given an uproarious Battle of Britain update by Richard Bean and Oliver Chris.
In 2011 Richard Bean became the first playwright to win the Evening Standard Award for Best Play for two plays, The Heretic and One Man, Two Guv’nors. Preserving, in one shape or other, most of Sheridan’s characters (including the glorious Mrs Malaprop), the action is transposed to Fontwell Manor, requisitioned by the RAF.
Casting Roles:
Jack Absolute, played by Jed Hamilton-Shaw: Hurricane pilot, section leader
Roy Faulkland, played by James Moore: Hurricane pilot
Bob Acres, played by Richard Thomas: Hurricane pilot, Australian
Bikram Khattri, played by Jon Peckover: Hurricane pilot, Asian Indian
Lydia Languish, played by Tabitha Bradley: Aircraft delivery pilot, Mrs Malaprop’s niece
Julia Melville, played by Katherine Symonds-Moore: Army volunteer, best friend to Lydia Languish
Mrs Malaprop, played by Sue Ross: Lady of Fontwell Manor
General Anthony Absolute, played by Richard Massey: Jack’s father
Brian Coventry, played by Julian Thomas: Intelligence officer
Dudley Scunthorpe, played by Michael Starr: Lead squadron mechanic, Yorkshire man
Lucy, played by Tracey Rawlins: Lady’s maid to Mrs Malaprop, cockney