With the RSC going at full gallop this summer with some superb productions, Stratford-upon-Avon’s second oldest theatre company, Second Thoughts, are putting on a short run (July 15th – 18th) of George Farquhar’s hilarious ‘The Beaux Stratagem’.

Although his name doesn’t suggest it George Farquhar was an Irishman born in Londonderry in 1677 (or was it 1678?), who, after leaving Trinity College, Dublin, in 1694, thought he might try his hand at becoming an actor, but after nearly killing a fellow thesp in a stage fight decided it might be best to give up the acting and become a playwright.

His first comedy, ‘Love and a Bottle’, was quite a success in Dublin, and as a result transferred to Drury Lane, where it achieved a reasonable amount of success.

In 1699 Farquhar’s ‘The Constant Couple’ was produced, which made his name. This was followed by ‘Sir Harry Wildair’, ‘The Inconstant’ and ‘The Twin Rivals’.

By 1706 Farquhar’s success became assured with ‘The Recruiting Officer’. Sadly, by the time ‘The Beaux Stratagem’ was produced – and it quickly became a favourite – Farquhar was badly in debt and quite ill. He died in 1707.

This production – staged in the great hall of the Shakespeare Institute – is set in 18th century Stratford-upon-Avon, and is – according to its director Tony Boyd-Williams – a must for anyone who saw the RSC’s production of ‘The Beggar’s Opera’ some years ago, or enjoys classic comedy, or a good sitcom.