Oliver Goldsmith's 'She Stoops to Conquer' at The Orange Tree Theatre was a hilarious and festive examination of class and status.

Starring Freddie Fox, Tanya Reynolds and Greta Scaachi the story follows the desire of Mr Hardcastle (David Horovitch) for his daughter to marry the wealthy and well-educated (Freddie Fox) Charles Marlow and the confusion that follows.

The whole theatre was gorgeously decorated for Christmas, immersing the audience immediately into the festivities and making you feel as though you were celebrating an upper class Christmas in Hardcastle Hall.

Humour was done extremely well throughout the entire performance with each character bringing their own unique flair.

I wasn't immediately hooked from the first scene but the first scene change had me captivated.

The play was an itneresting exploration of class and social status. (Photo Credit: Mark Brenner)

The cast themselves moved the set, turning the glamourous Hardcastle Hall into a rowdy country pub, to the jingle of Christmas music - from here the pace of the play quickened and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

For me, the standout characters were Kate Hardcastle (Tanya Reynolds) and Constance (Sabrina Bartlett). 

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The act together as each other's cheerleaders, determined not to let each other enter a marriage that they would not be fulfilled in.

Constance was a standout character. (Photo Credit: Mark Brenner).

The bumbling Diggory (Richard Derrington) was also a standout, as the worst butler in the world - he was definitely an audience favourite receiving guffaws of laughter every time he appeared on the stage.

Being a play based entirely on the idea of miscommunication, confusion and trickery the moment were Marlow realised that he had been tricked was of vital importance. 

It was played perfectly and was one of the most hilarious aspects of the performance. 

Overall, the play was joyful, fun, and hilarious.

She Stoops to Conquer is at The Orange Tree Theatre until 13 January.

Find out more and book your tickets here.

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