As You Like It

Synopsis

Written around 1600 and set in two contrasting communities; city and forest. Rosalind and Celia have been banished from Court. In fear of their lives, they disguise themselves and seek sanctuary in the Forest of Arden. Amongst the magical and ancient boughs, Rosalind discovers her exiled father, uncovers various truths about herself and others...and falls helplessly in love. But in this earthly paradise nothing is quite what it seems: men do not always act like men, and women can be anything at all...Uplifting, awe-inspiring and immense fun, Shakespeare's wondrous comedy is a joyous celebration of the liberating power of love and the redeeming spirit of nature.

Our Review:

9 May 2012

Although less well known than to the eternally popular A Midsummer Night's Dream, As You Like It makes a wonderful companion to it With the action taking place in a forest, away from societal norms and the etiquette of courtly life, the characters are able to search for themselves as well as each other.

As You Like It is Midsummer without the necessity for magic: the illusion of acting and role-play is what enables the drama to develop and bring about a good end. While the heroine Rosalind speaks of conjuring, it is her playing of many parts that results in such a charming conclusion.

Custom/Practice and Graffiti Productions have a young ensemble performing at the Lion and Unicorn theatre, which has both advantages and drawbacks. Oliver Mott is well-cast as Orlando his initial Russell Tovey-style surliness giving way to a tender romantic quality reminiscent of Julian Rhind-Tutt. Equally enjoyable are Celia ([Olivia Sc...

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