THE Riverside Players return to Gloucestershire this August with the production She Stoops To Conquer at Rendcomb College.

She Stoops to Conquer, by Oliver Goldsmith, is a classic Restoration comedy that pokes gentle fun at the society of the day (1773). 

It features some of the most well-known comic scenes in theatrical history.

Wealthy Mr Hardcastle arranges for his daughter Kate to meet Charles Marlow, the son of a rich Londoner, hoping the pair will marry. However, Charles doesn't like posh women, preferring the company of normal, working-class girls.

When Kate meets Charles she realises she'll have to pretend to be 'common' to get Charles to woo her – she'll have to 'stoop to conquer.'

Charles sets out for Mr Hardcastle's manor with a friend. The men get lost and stop at a pub, The Three Jolly Pigeons, for directions.

However, Tony Lumpkin fools them by saying it's a long way and they'll have to stay at a local inn. 

The 'Inn' he directs them to is actually the Hardcastles' home.
Charles and his friend think they're at an inn and behave badly, much to the surprise of their patient hosts.

Kate pretends to be a maid so she can get to know Charles, but will Kate’s plan to win her man succeed?

  • The Riverside Players present She Stoops To Conquer on Wednesday, August 23 to Saturday, August 26 at 7.45pm, with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm.
  • Tickets are £10-14 for adults with under-18s £5. Visit riversideplayers.org.uk
  • Gates open at 6.30pm for picnicing and refreshments will be available. There is an indoor alternative in the event of inclement weather.