Celia Imrie, Ella Smith et al. Set for The Rivals at Southwark Playhouse

Olivier Award winner Celia Imrie will star as Mrs. Malaprop, alongside Evening Standard Award winner Ella Smith playing Julia, in a new production of Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The Rivals, to run January 12-30 at the Southwark Playhouse. Jessica Swale will direct the production.

The play centers on the romantic affairs of two couples: Lydia Languish, who wants to elope with the penniless (but false) Ensign Beverley, and Lydia’s cousin Julia, who has lost her heart to the jealousy-prone Faulkland. The company will also feature Cian Barry, Oliver Hollis, Frank Laverty, Christopher Logan, Jenni Maitland, Robin Soans, and Sam Swainsbury.

The creative team will include Cara Newman (production design), Tim Bray (lighting design), and Laura Forrest-Hay (original music).

For further information, visit www.whatsonstage.com.