SYNOPSIS
Review
This is a lively and energetic performance. Touchstone is well played to bring out the comedy but the real joy for me is the way Laura Rogers gives us comic moments in the role of Celia.
LJ
Seeing through to the end of the Globe Theatre’s Young Hearts Season is As You Like It, the great Shakespearean romantic comedy, returns to the stage in a new production destined to entertain audiences to no end. It makes us laugh and smile, it makes us reignite our love for Shakespeare and it makes us reinterpret our expectations, subverting out views on the world of love. It is highly disputed as to what year this play was written, with some pinning it to as early as 1599, but it was published along with many of his other works in 1623 and since then it has been a favourite play for many people.
As You Like It introduces us to two young lovers. One, Rosalind, is the daughter to a banished duke. The other, Orlando, is a young gentleman. Rosalind has been a part of the court for some time, largely due to her friendship with Celia, but if the court was to find out about their relationship then the consequences could be dire. Therefore, they decide to flee the French town and head for the Forest of Arden. But out in this forest, things begin to take an unexpected turn as sexual games become the main activity as well as the dire consequences related to a case of mistaken identity. It is also out in this forest that Rosalind happens upon the banished duke that is her father. But what is going to happen in a world where sexual boundaries and stereotypes are blurred and not everything is as it seems? Shakespeare’s darkly comic and uplifting comedy is sure to leave you with a smile on your face.
Based on the novel Rosalynde by Thomas Lodge, As You Like It appears as part of the Young Hearts Season at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, where it appears alongside some classic shows. Between April and October 2009 you can also witness the likes of A New World, Love's Labour's Lost, The Frontline, Helen, Troilus And Cressida and Romeo and Juliet. The chance to catch all of these plays is one not to be missed.
As You Like It is at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre from Saturday 30th May 2009 to Saturday 10th October 2009.
Reviews
This is a lively and energetic performance. Touchstone is well played to bring out the comedy but the real joy for me is the way Laura Rogers gives us comic moments in the role of Celia.
LJ A wonderful version of this play. The jester was brilliant! I enjoyed all aspect of the performance and staging. Would love to see it again-the disco dancing at the end has to be seen!
Jan hooper
