Mayhem and confusion ina classic timeless comedy

Charles Marlow, a well-bred young man from London, has a rotten predicament: he is beset with a stutter and a quiver when in the presence of elegant and educated young women.

When his father sets him up with his old friend’s eligible daughter, he is totally tongue-tied; but Miss Hardcastle is charmed by her gibbering suitor and employs an unexpected tactic to put him at his ease.

Meanwhile mayhem and confusion ensue as, on meeting Marlow and his dashing friend Hastings, Tony Lumpkin leads them to believe that old Mr Hardcastle’s country house is actually an inn and the man of the house is the inn keeper.

Playfully exploring snobbery and class, Oliver Goldsmith’s 18th century comedy has enjoyed enduring appeal throughout the centuries.

Creative Cow – named so because the company was conceived on a cattle farm in Devon where productions are managed and rehearsed before touring – have been delighted by their previous success in Guildford, with pieces of classical theatre including The Merry Wives of Windsor, Charley’s Aunt, The Rivals, Born in the Gardens, Hard Times and Look Back in Anger.

Creative Cow’s Katherine Senior explains: “She Stoops to Conquer is a fabulous piece of classical comedy, and the 8th play we have brought to Yvonne Arnaud and the 4th to the Main Stage.

“We still get very excited about touring to Guildford because of the relationship we have built up with the Theatre over the years – and also the space is incredible to perform in.

“Goldsmith’s writing is brilliant and insightful, and the audience at Guildford, I think, will relish the asides the characters deliver to the audience and the strong physicality of the piece.

“It comes from a genre called ‘laughing comedy’ and is filled with a gallery of wonderful characters...

“We had a review recently which said ‘She Stoops simply, blissfully entertains’ and that was our aim with this show.

“Escapism back to the 18th century for a couple of hours and jolly good giggle!”

Tickets on 01483 440000 or by visiting the website at www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk.