THE next live satellite broadcast live from the National Theatre in London, will be George Farquhar’s celebrated Restoration comedy, The Beaux’ Stratgem, which can be seen on the big screen at the Regent in Christchurch on Thursday 3 September 7pm.

Simon Godwin (Man and Superman) directs George Farquhar's wild comedy of love and cash, which was first produced in London in March 1707.

The ‘Beaux’ in question are Mr Aimwell and Mr Archer, two charming, dissolute young men who have blown their fortunes in giddy London. Now shamed and debt-ridden, they flee London society to find their fortune in provincial Lichfield. Their cunning ‘Stratagem’ is to marry for money, recover their good name and head back to London to pick up their louche lifestyle once again.

Lodged at the local inn, posing as master and man-servant, they encounter a teeming variety of human obstacles: a crooked landlord, a fearsome highwayman, a fervent French Count, a malevolent maid , a drunken husband, a furious butler, a natural healer and a strange, turbulent priest. The whole world, it seems, is on the take or the make or both!

However, their greatest obstacle is love and the Beaux meet their match in the beautiful Dorinda, the daughter of Lady Bountiful, who Mr Aimwell hopes to pursue. Meanwhile, Dorinda’s sister-in-law, Mrs Kate Sullen who, though married to Squire Sullen, becomes the target for Mr Archer. Now the pair of ne’er do wells are most at risk, for once in love they might be truly discovered.

Their plan to entrap a young heiress is beginning to unravel and with hard times staring them in the face, it is time for Messrs Aimwell and Archer to show that they may be down but they are not yet out in this classic 18th Century romp.

Tickets: 01202 499199

www.regentcentre.co.uik