Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s ‘The Rivals’ at the Theatre Royal Haymarket reunites Penelope Keith and Peter Bowles from the classic situation comedy ‘To the Manor Born’ and both were born to play this surprisingly saucy, robust and lively piece under the diligent eye of director Sir Peter Hall. Penny’s original malapropisms and Peter’s continued threats of “frenzy” are as impeccable as you would expect. The rest of the cast is uniformly excellent, although special mention should go to Tony Gardner who milks every laugh out of his pompous Faulkland. Eventually, there is even Eric Morecambe-like pleas and glances to the audience: a brilliant performance. Carlyss Peer as the cheeky maid Lucy is a delight, Keiron Self gives a panto-sized performance as Bob Acres while the demure Robyn Addison and Annabel Scholey bicker, console and giggle about love, lost and their silly boyfriends in 18th century Bath. The play runs until 26th February. Do not miss it.