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An Introduction to The School for Scandal

The School for Scandal was written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, with a prologue by the famous actor David Garrick, and was first performed in 1777.

It’s the story of two brothers, one apparently a model citizen, the other a dissolute ne’er-do-well. But as the play progresses and the scandal-mongering backfires, the tables are turned on the siblings.

An enduring classic that still hits home today

With its themes of deceit, pride, love, gossip and capriciousness, The School for Scandal is one of the most enduring of all theatre classics. It showcases Sheridan’s mastery of farce, witty dialogue and delight in satirising upper-class pretension and affectation. Above all, it shows how appearances can be deceptive, and provides much else in terms of revelation and enjoyment along the way.

Often hailed as the best comedy of manners in English, The School for Scandal has been a crowd-pleaser for centuries. As a set text for students, it has the advantage over some older plays of language that’s more accessible (though exquisitely crafted).

In addition, its themes resonate even (or perhaps especially) today. As The New York Times said about one 2001 production: “The classy antidote one needs in a celebrity-crazed world where the invasion of privacy is out of control, but the art of gossip is nonexistent."

The School for Scandal 3 disc DVD pack contains:

  • The full length feature DVD, with optional subtitles.
  • The extras DVD, with in-depth interviews with cast and crew.
  • The Mastershot DVD showing all entrances/exits, and lighting and scenery changes.

NOT FOR RENTAL: This DVD is authorised for retail sale for private home use and for use within schools and educational organisations.

“It is a delight! A production to relish…you know this is going to be fun.”
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British Theatre Guide
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Cast & Crew

Directed by Elizabeth Freestone

The Company

Maria
Joanna Christie
Lady Teazle
Beatrice Curnew
Lady Sneerwell
Amy Rockson
Mrs Candour / Trip
Harvey Virdi
Sir Peter Teazle
Jonathan Battersby
Snake / Moses
Guy Burgess
Joseph Surface
Samuel Collings
Sir Oliver Surface
Mark Extance
Sir Benjamin Backbite / Careless
Gareth Kennerley
Charles Surface
Adam Redmore
Crabtree / Sir Toby
Tim Treloar
Rowley
Conrad Westmaas

All other parts played by members of the company

The Creative Team

Director
Elizabeth Freestone
Set and Costume Designer
Neil Irish
Lighting Designer
Wayne Dowdeswell
Sound Designer / Composer
Adrienne Quartly
Associate Director / Movement
Stuart Angell
Producers
James Haddrell and Tim Sawers
Wardrobe Supervisor
Sades Robinson
Costume Assistants
Hadar Vandar and Keeley Scothern
Dresser
Pippa Mawbey
Wig Stylist
Rebecca Jenkins
Production Manager
Peter Williams
Company Stage Manager
Penny Foxley
Deputy Stage Manager
Craig Almond
Assistant Stage Manager
Ben Brayshaw
Production Electrician
Oliver Kipling
Technical Assistant
Daniel Leman
Sound Production
Marc Cohen
Production Carpenter
Rae George

OTHER PLAYS AVAILABLE

3 Disc DVD Pack
£29.99
ex UK VAT