Although born in Ireland, Sheridan is arguably the most English of all playwrights. His plays capture a unique quality of both place and time. The language is less contrived than Congreve, more stylish than Vanbrugh and a direct precursor of the wit and wisdom of Wilde and Coward.

The School for Scandal is supreme among his plays for its rich characterisation, polished good humour and the dramatic effect of this exposé of the selfishness, envy and hypocrisy of the brittle society of the time.