The School for Scandal, The Rivals & The Duenna: Three Full-Cast Vintage BBC Radio Productions

Three of the ever-popular Sheridan’s finest plays

Born in Dublin in 1751, Richard Brinsley Sheridan was a theatre impresario, statesman and the most celebrated playwright of his time. His brilliantly witty comedies of manners have become part of the literary canon, and are frequently performed around the world. This collection comprises three classic radio productions of his best works, performed by star casts including Barbara Mitchell, Rolf Lefebvre, Dorothy Tutin, Flora Robson, Dennis Quilley and Patricia Routledge.

The School For Scandal – Collated from two manuscripts corrected by Sheridan himself, this 1967 radio version of his most famous play introduces us to gossip-monger Lady Sneerwell, who loves nothing more than spreading slander and ruining reputations. When she sets her sights on the young, rakish Charles Surface, the stage is set for scandal...

The Rivals – Set in 18th century Bath, where the wealthy and fashionable come to take the waters, Sheridan’s sparkling debut centres around young lovers Jack Absolute and Lydia Languish. Knowing his beloved is resolved never to marry a rich man, the aristocratic Jack pretends to be the poor soldier Ensign Beverley. Lydia is overjoyed at the thought of eloping with Beverley under the nose of her guardian, Mrs Malaprop – but how will she react when her romantic dreams are shattered?

The Duenna – Spanish nobleman Don Jerome wishes his daughter to marry the wealthy merchant Isaac Mendoza. Louisa, however, has given her heart to the impoverished Don Antonio. With the help of her duenna, can she secure her true love? This comic operetta features an early performance from Dame Patricia Routledge, who talks at the end of the production about her time playing Donna Clara.

First published 1775 (The Rivals, The Duenna), 1777 (The School for Scandal)

Cast and credits Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

The School for Scandal Lady Sneerwell – Barbara Mitchell Snake – Rolf Lefebvre Joseph Surface – Alan Badel Maria – Hilda Schroder Mrs Candour – Barbara Couper Crabtree – Max Adrian Sir Benjamin Backbite – David March Sir Peter Teazle – Maurice Denham Rowley – Ronald Herdman Lady Teazle – Dorothy Tutin Sir Oliver Surface – Hamlyn Benson Moses – Haydn Jones Trip – Leroy Lingwood Charles Surface – John Quentin Careless – Alexander John Sir Toby Bumper – Alan Dudley Maid – Rosalind Shanks Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan with the Epilogue by George Colman Produced by Charles Lefeaux BBC Midland Light Orchestra Leader: James Hutcheon Conductor: Gilbert Vinter

The Rivals Mrs Malaprop – Flora Robson Sir Anthony Absolute – Peter Pratt Lydia Languish – Christine Finn Captain Absolute – Bernard Brown Bob Acres – William Ingram Julia – Rosalind Shanks Faulkland – Peter Tuddenham Sir Lucius O’Trigger – Denys Hawthorne Lucy – Barbara Mitchell Fag – Christopher Bidmead David – Ronald Herdman Thomas – Alan Dudley Boy/Maid – Carol Marsh Servant – LeRoy Lingwood Directed by Betty Davies

The Duenna Don Antonio – Denis Quilley Donna Louisa – Jane Wenham Don Jerome – Alan Dudley Don Carlos – Gordon Faith Don Ferdinand – Barrie Ingham Donna Clara – Patricia Routledge The Duenna – Betty Huntley-Wright Isaac Mendoza – Peter Pratt Pepita – Valerie Kirkbright Father Paul – Aubrey Woods Lopez – Andrew Sachs Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan and adapted by Lionel Harris Adapted for radio and produced by Peter Bryant Music composed by Julian Slade, played by the Sinfonia of London conducted by Marcus Dods

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© 2025 BBC Digital Audio (Lydbog): 9781529968378

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Lydbog: 18. december 2025