The Rivals Author:Richard Brinsley Sheridan Richard Brinsley Sherian was a prominent British playwright and poet in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Sheridan also served as a Member of Parliament and he was the long-time owner of the London Theatre Royal. Sheridan is now best remembered for classic satirical plays such as The Rivals, The School for Scandal, and A Trip to Scarboro... more »ugh. The Rivals is a comedy of manners that was first performed in 1775. The play was Sheridan's first and it was very controversial at the time due to its bawdiness but is now seen as a true classic. The play is set in Bath and centers on two young lovers, Lydia and Jack.« less