The Rivals
Trinity College Gardens, Oxford, 27 July 2007
An open-air performance had seemed like a good idea at the time, but as
the wettest summer on record rolled on, we were beginning to doubt the
whole idea. In fact, the weather improved sufficiently for the
occasion and, once well wrapped up, it was possible to sit back and
enjoy the show. We had guessed at five full cars, and in the event
ordered 4 extra tickets. Interestingly, there were no group
concessions, but we negotiated a pensioners’ discount (since the vast
majority of our regulars qualify!) with the promise that the youngsters
would pay extra at the gate if asked. I haven’t heard of anyone being
asked.
The Oxford Theatre Guild is a semi-professional company, and
entertained us well. Mrs Malaprop has perhaps the most inherently
comic part, but a number of the servants were as amusing as the
principal roles. We left well satisfied, and had even coped with
parking in Oxford.
MCW