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BrumHour saw The School for Scandal at the invite of The RSC.
By David Fox x.com/DavidFoxTheatre
Review: The School for Scandal at The RSC, Royal Shakespeare Theatre
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”Funny and outrageously camp”
Directed by Tinuke Craig, written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Intrigue. Lies. Gossip. 1770s London High Society is a shocking and dangerous place, especially if you are heir to a large fortune. Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The School for Scandal is a sharp satirical comedy, the intertwined lives of London’s elite unravel amid a web of deceit, hypocrisy, and moral tests.
Sir Peter Teazle, and his much younger new wife, Lady Teazle, become entangled in the deceitful schemes of the scandal-mongering Snake and the duplicitous Joseph Surface. Meanwhile Sir Oliver Surface returns from the East Indies in disguise to test the character of his two nephews: the hypocritical Joseph and the reckless, but honest, Charles Surface. Amidst misunderstandings and revelations, the virtuous are eventually rewarded, while the deceitful are exposed. The play humorously critiques the superficiality and moral corruption of the fashionable elite – just as relevant today as when it was first written.
Sheridan’s The School for Scandal is a fantastic and typical example of 18th-century theatre (it was first performed at London’s Drury Lane Theatre). The play is a bitingly satirical comedy and very funny. Quick-fire dialogue, sumptuous direction, and extravagant performances. Even the character’s names give an idea of the level of humour of the play: Mrs Candour, Lady Teazle, Lady Sneerwell, and Sir Benjamin Backbite!
The School for Scandal is lucky enough to share an ensemble of actors with their production of The Merry Wives of Windsor. A really strong cast who all give excellent performances, and seem to be enjoying the production. Stand-out turns come from Suibhan Harrison as the scandalmonger Mrs Sneerwell, and John Leader as the disrespectful and decadent Charles Surface. I also particularly enjoyed the diabolically gossipy triumvirate of Patrick Walsh McBride (Benjamin Backbite) Jason Thorpe (Crabtree) and Emily Houghton (Mrs Candour) who gives a hilarious masterclass of facial expressions!
Upon seeing the stage the first work that comes to mind is PINK! And a lot of it – it is definitely Bridgerton meets Barbie, with a touch of Saltburn. While the set for this production is simple it is very effective. For the most part a plain stage with the location projected onto the background, with a few chairs or flower sculptures or giant fountain to denote the setting. Having such a simple set allows the audience to really focus on the characters and plot.
Costumes for The School for Scandal are glorious – and also PINK! 18th-century foppery for the men, and ballgowns as wide as a bus for the women. (How do they even walk in them?) And some serious wig action happening. The costumes really help project the decadence and opulence of 18th-century London society.
This summer The RSC is certainly impressing with their productions – both The Merry Wives of Windsor, and Kyoto are excellent productions. Funny, outrageously camp, and The School for Scandal is another hit and a highlight of the RSC’s summer season! A refreshingly modern take of a theatrical classic. Don’t miss out.
The School for Scandal is at The RSC, Royal Shakespeare Theatre until 6th September 2024. Book tickets here: rsc.org.uk/the-school-for-scandal
