First performed in 1775, The Rivals is an English comedy of manners written by famed 18th century British playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan. The play, which is set in the English town of Bath, follows the relationship between Lydia, a lover of romance novels, and Jack, a man who courts Lydia under the guise of a poor military officer, and the ensuing love triangle that jeopardizes the well-being of all parties involved. The Rivals was initially panned by critics due to its length and bawdiness, coupled with consistently poor performances by one of the main actors. The play has since been revived to much acclaim, and is now considered to be one of Sheridan's masterpieces.
