The Beaux Stratagem

The final flamboyant flush of Restoration Comedy, The Beaux Strategem is a witty, rollicking romp, complete with fights, songs and dances and fully deserving its frequent revivals.

Two lively London playboys, Aimwell and Archer, have blown their fortunes and are down on their luck. Being innovative young gentlemen, they decide to go hunting for rich women to seduce, travelling to places where they are not known and taking turns to play master and servant. They are the Beaux, and this is their Stratagem: what could go wrong?

Meanwhile, in Lichfield, the wealthy and sophisticated Mrs Sullen is yearning for a way out of her loveless marriage - her boorish husband is more interested in gambling and boozing at the Inn than giving her the life she had hoped for.

When Aimwell and Archer book in to Boniface's Lichfield Inn they find their plans enmeshed in a web of rogues, scheming servants and ladies looking for love.