AN EIGHTEENTH century farce is coming to The Theatre Royal Winchester next week.

Classic comedy drama She Stoops to Conquer, by Oliver Goldsmith, is being brought to the Hampshire venue by Mappa Mundi on November 19 and 20.

The company is renowned for producing witty and highly accessible adaptations of literary texts with sumptuous sets and costumes and plenty of bawdy humour.

She Stoops to Conquer (right) is a ribald and satirical portrait of life and love in the town and country where mistaken identities and clandestine love affairs collide with hilarious results over the period of a single night.

Two foppish suitors travelling to a country manor house are tricked into believing it to be a tavern.

Upon arrival, the dandies treat their host, the long-suffering Mr Hardcastle, like an innkeeper. This works to the advantage of his clever daughter Kate, who “stoops to conquer” by disguising herself as a barmaid in order to win the heart of her suitor.

Director Peter Doran said: “She Stoops to Conquer” is a brilliant comedy, and although written in the 18th century the characters seem totally real and in many ways very modern, it’s themes of snobbery, class and society are as relevant today as they’ve ever been.”

The show is suitable for audiences aged 12 and over, and there are a limited number of free tickets for people under 26 years old to see this production.

More information and tickets are available from the box office, on 01962 840440, or online at theatreroyal winchester.co.uk.