A CLASSIC late-Restoration comedy travels from one spa town to another this week when Cheltenham's Everyman presents Sheridan's The Rivals.

The touring show, from Theatre Royal Bath productions, stars Stephanie Cole and Edward Hardwicke.

Set in Bath during the course of one day in 1775, this delightful period romp introduces Mrs Malaprop, one of the funniest abusers of words in the British theatre, the inspiration for the word 'malapropism' and a truly great comic creation.

Even though her niece, Lydia, is 'as headstrong as an allegory on the banks of the Nile', Mrs Malaprop is determined to match her with a husband of her own choosing.

But Lydia has a penchant for romantic novels and has fallen in love with poor ensign Beverley.

Playing the exuberant Mrs Malaprop will be Stephanie Cole, one of Britain's favourite actresses.

Her diverse television roles include Tenko, Doc Martin and Waiting For God. Sir Anthony is played by Edward Hardwicke, best known for his long-running role as Dr Watson opposite Jeremy Brett's Sherlock Holmes.

The Rivals is directed by award-winning director Christopher Morahan who has worked extensively at the National Theatre and also directed Patricia Routledge in The Importance of Being Earnest in the West End.

His work also includes the film Clockwise with John Cleese and acclaimed television serials The Jewel In The Crown and A Dance To The Music Of Time.

The Rivals comes to the Everyman from Monday, February 27 to Saturday, March 4.

Tickets, which cost between £9 and £19.50, are available from the box office.