Our 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!

2nd – 4th April, 2026. Merlin Theatre, Frome

Directed by Richard Wright.

Auditions will be held on 4th and 5th December, 7pm at the Frome Canoe Club.

An introduction session is also being held on 30th November, 7pm at the Frome Canoe Club.

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                          Hurricane pilot, section leader, 25 to 40

Roy Falkland                           Hurricane pilot, 25 to 40

Bob Acres                                Hurricane pilot, Australian, 25 to 45

Bikram Khattri                         Asian Indian, Hurricane pilot, 25 to 45

Lydia Languish                        Aircraft delivery pilot, Mrs Malaprop’s niece, 25 to 40

Julia Melville                           Army volunteer, best friend to Lydia Languish, 25 to 40

Mrs Malaprop                         Lady of Fontwell Manor, 45 to 65

General  Anthony Absolute    Jack’s father, 50 to 65

Brian Coventry                        Intelligence officer, 40 to 60

Dudley Scunthorpe                 Lead squadron mechanic, Yorkshire man, 30 to 50

Lucy                                         Lady’s maid to Mrs Malaprop, cockney, 25 to 40