Comic timing and mischosen words hallmarks for classic summer show

Pippa prepped to take on 'grand dame' role relished by stars of stage and screen for sixty years

- by Henry Widdas

"She's as headstrong as an allegory on the banks of the Nile".

These and dozens more comically mischosen words will ring round the grounds of Lytham Hall next month as the extravagant Mrs Malaprop takes to the stage in 'The Rivals', Richard Sheridan's 1775 comedy of manners.

In the production on Friday, July 11 by Gloucester-based Rain or Shine Theatre Company, Pippa Meekings will play Mrs Malaprop, a 'grand dame' role relished by several of the country's leading actresses in the past sixty years.