Product Review

Oliver Goldsmith Heritage Theatre presents The Out of Joint / National Theatre Co-Production of She Stoops To Conquer. Oliver Goldsmith's classic comedy of manners tells of the clever schemes and comic ruses that unfold one night at a country house. An ambitious step-mother, impassioned sweethearts, a pragmatic father and a pair of star-crossed suitors are sent spinning through a hilarious comedy of errors by one of the great characters of the stage, Tony Lumpkin.

In its day, this eighteenth century masterpiece was considered so 'low' that it might never have reached the stage. When it was finally produced, it enjoyed immediate and lasting success, breaking the mould with its satirical swipe at polite society. Goldsmith made comedy funnier and more natural than the 'sentimental' stuff of his contemporaries - yet his characters burst with warmth as well as great wit. Max Stafford-Clark sets the story of the ultimate dysfunctional family in the hinterland of Lichfield. His triumphant production played to great acclaim at the National Theatre and on tour.

'beautifully directed by Max Stafford-Clark...a dream'
The Independent

'superb'
Daily Mail

'supremely well acted'
The Wall Street Journal

' enjoyably rowdy'
The Evening Standard

'brilliant new Irish actor Owen Sharpe'
Daily Mail

'a comedy without errors...with effervescent performances from the entire cast, it was impossible not to get caught up in the thrill of it all... exudes all-out fun and frivolity...the sheer verve of the exuberantly witty dialogue was quite enough to keep the 21st century audience at the National Theatre roaring with laughter. The crowd simply loved it'
Daily Mirror'

'lots of rewards...Ian Redford's Hardcastle can be splendidly irascible'
Sunday Telegraph'

Includes an interview with Max Stafford-Clark on his production.

This production was first performed on September 12, 2002 at the Oxford Playhouse, and opened at the National Theatre on December 17, 2002. It was recorded at the Theatre Royal, Bath on April 8 & 9, 2003.

CAST
Sir Charles Marlow / Roger: NIGEL COOKE
Young Charles Marlow (his son): CHRISTOPHER STAINES
Mr Hardcastle: IAN REDFORD
Mr George Hastings: STEPHEN BERESFORD
Tony Lumpkin: OWEN SHARPE
Landlord / Jeremy: MATTHEW SIM
Diggory: JASON WATKINS
Mrs Hardcastle: .JANE WOOD
Miss Kate Hardcastle: MONICA DOLAN
Miss Constance Neville: FRITHA GOODEY
Pimple: BELLA MERLIN
Director: ROBIN LOUGH

Our gratitude to the staff and patrons of the THEATRE ROYAL, BATH. Heritage Theatre