The play was scheduled to make its world premiere in the
Olivier Theatre at the
National Theatre in
London from April to July 2020. However, due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, all scheduled performances were cancelled and the production postponed, not joining the repertoire in either 2020 or 2021. The play finally premiered on 9 August 2022, running until 9 September, directed by Emily Burns (replacing
Thea Sharrock who was originally due to direct), with set and costumes by Mark Thompson, lighting designed by Tim Lutkin (replacing Bruno Poet), music composed by
Paul Englishby (replacing
Adrian Johnston) with a cast including
Caroline Quentin as Mrs Malaprop,
Peter Forbes as Sir Anthony Absolute (replacing
James Fleet) and
Kelvin Fletcher as Dudley Scunthorpe (replacing
Richard Fleeshman). == Awards and nominations ==