Event

The Beaux' Stratagem National Theatre Live

Simon Godwin (Man and Superman) directs George Farquhar's wild comedy of love and cash.

The 'Beaux': Mr Aimwell and Mr Archer, two charming, dissolute young men who have blown their fortunes in giddy London. Shamed and debt-ridden, they flee to provincial Lichfield. Their 'Stratagem': to marry for money.
Lodged at the local inn, posing as master and servant, they encounter a teeming variety of human obstacles: a crooked landlord, a fearsome highwayman, a fervent French Count, a maid on the make, a drunken husband, a furious butler, a natural healer and a strange, turbulent priest.
But their greatest obstacle is love. When the Beaux meet their match in Dorinda and Mrs Sullen they are most at risk, for in love they might be truly discovered.
George Farquhar's final play is a fabulous carnal comedy.
4 stars
The Observer, Sunday Express, Financial Times, Guardian, The Times, Evening Standard, Time Out

Top quotes

'Sharp. Beautifully revived. A treat.' The Times

'Fresh, relevant and unstoppably entertaining.' Observer

'Exuberant. Deliciously modern. This Restoration romp is a lot of fun.' Time Out

'Fresh and assured. Susannah Fielding proves herself the mistress of comic timing.' Evening Standard