The School for Scandal The Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford
Saturday 24th August 2024, 10.00am to c. 6.30pm
We were treated to a thoroughly entertaining matinee performance of a brand new Royal Shakespeare Company production of Richard Brinsley Sheridan's biting, comedy of manners 'The School for Scandal'.
Set in 1770s London, where gossip, deception, scandalous intrigue and social hypocrisy are rife,
Tinuke Craig's new production for the Royal Shakespeare Company emphasized the parallels between the play’s 18th-century context and contemporary issues, such as social media gossip and public shaming. Traditional elements were blended with modern aesthetics, all cleverly entwined with Sheridan's original script, highlighting the enduring relevance of Sheridan’s critique of superficiality and scandal-mongering. Bridging the historical context with present-day sensibilities, were entirely appropriate and enabled the themes of gossip and scandal to resonate all the more with today's audience.
Door to door travel via luxury minibus from Bristol to The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon together with premium stall seats was included in the cost of the trip.
The School for Scandal, first performed in 1777, is set in the high society of 18th-century London, and is a satirical exploration of
gossip, hypocrisy, and the superficiality of the social elite. Sheridan's incisive wit and sharp social commentary expose the duplicity and moral failings of the characters, offering a timeless critique of society's obsession with reputation and scandal. The School for Scandal is celebrated for its lively dialogue, memorable characters, and its clever intertwining of farce and satire, making it one of the greatest comedies in the English language.
Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1816) was an Irish playwright and Whig politician renowned for his contribution to the comic tradition in English theatre. Born in Dublin, Sheridan moved to England in his youth and attended Harrow School. He first gained fame with his play The Rivals (1775), which introduced the character Mrs. Malaprop, whose humorous misuse of words coined the term 'malapropism'.
The School for Scandal cemented Sheridan's reputation as one of the leading dramatists of his time and he became a well known figure in the same upper echelons of society of which he wrote. However, he led a life of excess filled with personal scandals and political and dramatic escapades that rivaled the plots of his plays. His excessive and extravagant lifestyle, tumultuous relationships and infidelities led to repeated financial crises and blighted his political career and social standing and ultimate demise, living in relative poverty and obscurity.
However, his legacy endures through his masterful comedies that continue to entertain and provoke thought. His acute observations of human nature and society remain relevant, and his works are still performed regularly, reflecting his lasting impact on English literature and drama.
Full Details
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Transport: Door to door luxury minibus
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Pick-up Point: All Saints Church, Pembroke Road, Clifton, BS8 3ED.
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Date/Time: Saturday 24th August 2024, 10.00am to c. 6.30pm
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Itinerary:
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10.00-11.45am - Depart All Saints Church; journey to Windsor
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12.00-1.00pm - Lunch in Stratford: own arrangements
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You are welcome to bring your own picnic lunch to eat by the banks of the River Avon (if the weather's fine!) or find a local cafe or restaurant in Stratford. The theatre itself has two main dining options, which have the benefit of being in close proximity to the auditorium, seeing as we do only have an hour for lunch.
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The Riverside Terrace is situated on a terrace overlooking the river and is open from 11.30am serving their all day menu, featuring salads, meze platters, ice cream sundaes and more. The Riverside Terrace operates on a first-come/first-served basis.
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The Rooftop Restaurant is situated on the 3rd floor of the main Theatre building providing scenic views of the River Avon. Their full menu is served from 11.30am (including afternoon tea!), and on show days, they also offer a fixed price menu for pre-theatre dining, consisting of two courses (£29) or three courses (£35) - see here for a sample menu. It is advisable to book The Rooftop Restaurant in advance, letting them know you will be seeing the 1.15pm matinee performance in the main theatre. Contact them on: rooftop@rsc.org.uk or call 01789 403449.
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1.15pm - The School for Scandal performance starts (performance time: 2 hrs 48 mins, incl. an interval of 20 mins)
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4.30pm - Depart Stratford for Bristol via minibus
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6.15-6.30pm - Arrive back at All Saints