Cast set for The Rivals revival at the Orange Tree and on tour

Orange Tree Theatre has announced the full cast and creative team for its 250th anniversary production of R B Sheridan’s classic comedy The Rivals, opening this winter.

The production is directed by Orange Tree artistic director Tom Littler. The cast includes Robert Bathurst as Anthony Absolute, Patricia Hodge as Mrs Malaprop, 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 and Kit Young as Jack Absolute.

The creative team features 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 consultancy by Ginny Schiller.

The Rivals runs at the Orange Tree from 29 November 2025 to 24 January 2026, with press night on 5 December at 7pm. Following the Richmond run, the production will tour to Theatre Royal Bath from 27 to 31 January 2026 and Cambridge Arts Theatre from 3 to 7 February 2026.