Josie Rourke’s inaugural production as Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse is The Recruiting Officer, Farquhar’s 1706 farce about military manoeuvring and sexual strategies.

It is with the promise of money, glory and adventure that Captain Plume is recruiting the men of Shrewsbury for the King’s army. He’s also determined to make a conquest of Sylvia, but as she’s now an heiress she can afford to put him to the test. All the while, the scheming Melinda is toying with the affections of Captain Brazen and the gentleman Mr Worthy.

The Recruiting Officer stars Tobias Menzies in the title role. A star of stage and screen, Menzies last appeared on the West End stage opposite Keira Knightley in The Children’s Hour. He is also well known for US TV series Rome and films including Atonement, Finding Neverland and Casino Royale.

The rest of the cast of The Recruiting Officer are equally esteemed. Rachael Stirling, Mackenzie Crook, Mark Gatiss and Nancy Carroll have all been seen frequently on the London stage and have picked up many awards and nominations between them.