R. B. Sheridan: The Rivals

Richard Brinsley Sheridan made a name for himself as a playwright and his own life could be the subject of a play or a narrative film. Sheridan was introduced to the public as a theatre maker in 1775 when he premiered his first play, The Rivals, at the Covent Garden Theatre. However, it was met with harsh criticism from both experts and the general public. Nevertheless, he did not give up his theatre career. He reworked the game and eventually turned it into his great success. The Rivals is still performed in various adaptations, has been filmed many times, and became the basis of a successful musical. The plot of Sheridan's comedy revolves around the love troubles of Miss Lydia Unylé, who, following the example of the romantic heroines, longs to marry for love and, more importantly, poverty. However, her chosen captain, Resolute, is from a wealthy noble family, so he begins to impersonate a wealthy lieutenant. Lydia's confused aunt Mrs Nevhodová, the suitor's father Mr Antonín Rozhodný and another suitor of Miss Unylé also play their roles in the tangled plot.