'All The World Is A Stage' - As You Like It.

Geraldine James as Rosalind and James Hayes as Touchstone. Photo by Ellie Kurttz (c) RSC.

As You Like It by William Shakespeare, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon from Saturday 17 June – Saturday 5 August 2023 

Review by Heidi Barber.

It is generally agreed that ‘As you like it’ is the play that opened the new Globe theatre in London in 1599. This production directed by Omar Elerian in his RSC debut, celebrates the 400th anniversary of the first folio of Shakespeare’s work published in 1623.

In the opening scenes we are introduced to Duke Frederick’s (Robin Soans) court and meet the many characters who drive the play’s plot forward. As with many Shakespeare plays, one of the key characters Rosalind (Geraldine James) instantly falls in love when she witnesses nobleman Orlando (Malcolm Sinclair) in an altercation with another man.

Malcolm Sinclair as Orlando and Ewart James Walters as William/Charles the Wrestler

Photo by Ellie Kurttz (c) RSC.

Sadly, for Rosalind, she is banished by her uncle and leaves for the forest with her cousin Celia (Maureen Beattie) and a court jester/fool Touchstone (James Hayes). For their own safety they decide to disguise themselves with Rosalind dressing as a boy (Ganymede) and Celia as his sister Aliena.

Although the first half of the play lacks pace at times, there is a splendid and unexpected finale featuring the entire cast - sorry no spoilers!

Geraldine James as Rosalind and Maureen Beattie asCelia. Photo by Ellie Kurttz (c) RSC.

It is in the second half of the performance, which opens with Touchstone appearing on stage dressed as a human pinata, that the pace of the play becomes much more upbeat. As the numerous romantic allegiances are revealed one by one, we could be forgiven for comparing this with the ‘coupling’ sessions that appear in the hit TV series ‘Love Island’. With his themes of love, heartbreak, and betrayal, it is easy to understand the enduring and universal appeal of Shakespeare’s works.

James Hayes as Touchstone. Photo by Ellie Kurttz (c) RSC.

In the final scenes, Rosalind engineers the love affairs of several couples including her own romance with Orlando. Geraldine James shines as the powerful character Rosalind and James Hayes has perfect comic timing delivering his witty lines as Touchstone the court fool.

James Hayes as Touchstone and Cleo Sylvestrie. Photo by Ellie Kurttz (c) RSC.

This updated production is interwoven with poems referencing other Shakespeare works and numerous modern-day references enabling it to explore a new perspective on the play. It was refreshing to witness a brilliant cast of actors exploring a new outlook on this original play with its upbeat, joyful ending.

Further details: https://www.rsc.org.uk/