1680. Beaugard and Courtine return to London from wars abroad – empty handed and disenchanted. Beaugard hits on a brilliant scheme to improve their fortunes. Clarinda, unhappily married to the aged, infatuated Sir Davey Dunce, concocts a plan to reverse her fortunes. And Sir Jolly Jump, one of the great portraits of wayward sexuality, sets about helping the lovers, thereby enhancing his fortunes… Otway’s restoration comedy is brutally, hilariously modern – but the undertow of deep sensuality suggests it is a missing link between Much Ado About Nothing and Oscar Wilde.

For more information on this production read our First Night Feature or interview with Ray Fearon.