She Stoops to Conquer, Oliver Goldsmith’s classic comedy about mistaken identity, deception and love, makes a return this month with performances in Valletta and Sliema.

First performed in London in 1773, this play is one of those rare comedies that have succeeded in remaining funny and still relevant more than 200 years later, enjoying regular runs the world over.

The story sees the cripplingly shy Charles Marlow being sent by his father to Mr Hardcastle’s country home so as to introduce himself to his daughter Kate. On the way there, Charles gets lost and eventually arrives at Mr Hardcastle’s house thinking that he is at a roadside inn instead.

Young Charles behaves accordingly, much to the disgust of the old-fashioned Mr Hardcastle. When Kate learns about the mistake, rather than set Charles straight, she pretends to be a barmaid so that his behaviour around her will be a lot less reserved and extremely informal.

This production is directed by comedy veteran Malcolm Galea with Marylu Coppini, Stephen Oliver, Tina Rizzo, Andre Agius, Joe Depasquale, Giulia Gatt, Gianni Selvaggi, Michael Mangion and John Marinelli rounding out the cast.

■ She Stoops to Conquer runs at the Salesian Theatre in Sliema from March 17 to 19 to then transfers to the Manoel Theatre in Valletta from March 23 to 26. For more information and tickets, visit www.madc.com.mt.