A superlative farce by the master of the form, Molière, written at the height of his powers, a masterclass in comic construction.

Two young men have each found the love of their life. Unfortunately their fathers have other ideas. So the boys turn for help to Scapino, king of con-men. But the old men's obstinacy drives Scapino to ever more ludicrous schemes to ensure that love wins the day. 

Les Fourberies de Scapin (Scapin the Schemer) was first staged in 1671 in the theatre of the Palais-Royal in Paris.

This English version by Jeremy Sams, in the Nick Hern Books Drama Classics series, was first staged at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2005.

This edition includes an introduction to the play by Stephen Mulrine.