Edmond Rostand

Based on the real life of the seventeenth century French dramatist of the same name, "Cyrano de Bergerac" is Edmond Rostand's classic romantic play. Cyrano, a cadet in the French Army, is a talented duelist, poet, and musician, however, he has extreme self-doubt in matters of love due to the large size of his nose. Cyrano is conflicted by his inability to summon the confidence to tell the woman that he adores, Roxane, how he truly feels. He writes her a letter expressing his love with the intent of giving it to her during a rendezvous, however, when he learns that Roxane is in love with another, a handsome new cadet, Christian de Neuvillette, he withholds his admission. Christian lacks the intellect and wit to woo Roxane and enlists the help of Cyrano who, despite being against his own self-interest, agrees. First performed in 1897, "Cyrano de Bergerac", is one of the most popular plays in the French language, which brilliantly dramatizes the idea that beauty is only skin deep and that true love is about more than just physical attractiveness. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper, follows the translation of Gladys Thomas and Mary F. Guillemard, and includes an introduction by W. P. Trent.

No master to serve, no leash to bear. I walk as I please, and I speak as I dare. Poet, soldier and philosopher. Cyrano de Bergerac burns with brilliance. He's fiercely funny and intensely romantic – but behind the veil of wit is one large problem: his nose. Haunted by doubts and too proud to beg, he watches from the shadows as Roxane – bold, beautiful and seemingly unreachable – falls for another man, Christian. But this handsome, tongue-tied young suitor knows his only hope of charming Roxane is to seduce her with words. And only one person can help… Director Simon Evans (Staged) and Debris Stevenson (Poet in da Corner) bring new life to Edmond Rostand's thrilling, lyrical tale of love and lies, longing and disguise. This edition was published to coincide with the Royal Shakespeare Company production at the Swan Theatre in September 2025.