The Royal Shakespeare Company’s age-blind reworking of this first-class comedy brings an ensemble of actors together, to reunite and reminisce about a production from their seemingly distant past. 

Shakespeare’s As You Like It is an ode to escapism, where the Forest of Arden is a place of freedom away from the restrictive court. In this production, the characters are confined in a sparse rehearsal room, for a read-through of the play they performed together long ago. Against the odds, the wildness of the forest begins to creep in again, and this old love story is given new life.

Geraldine James’ Rosalind carries the play with self-assurance and joy. Banished from her uncle’s court, she disguises herself in male clothing, accompanied by her cousin Celia (Maureen Beattie). In recent years, the RSC has championed bringing new voices to well-known roles, and it is a delight to see the two female leads portray their deep, uncomplicated friendship with skill and substance. Malcolm Sinclair, as romantic lead Orlando, matches the energy of James’ Rosalind in their dizzy, earnest and slightly farcical love story.

Our protagonists find their way further into the Forest of Arden, and away from the court of Duke Frederick (a formidable Robin Soans), where a collection of quirky country folk add to the mayhem - all marvellously funny.  This production, under Omar Elerian’s deft and compelling direction, has firm roots in reality, while still allowing the madcap plot to run riot and showcasing the excellent cast. The music - composed by Will Gregory - is also great fun, especially in the uninhibited forest.

The ‘young blood’ performers, Hannah Bristow, Tyreke Leslie, Mogali Masuku and Rose Wardlaw, sheepishly introduce themselves at the start of the play and initially seem overshadowed by the confident, experienced actors surrounding them. As the story unwinds, this relationship is revealed to be more complex, with the generations supporting and teaching each other in their own way. It’s a touching reminder of the innumerable performers who have gone before, and of their legacy, which resonates into the future.

James Hayes as Touchstone, the fool, brings a sprinkle of variety-show flair to the role and achieves a great rapport with the audience. Touchstone embraces the freedom of forest life - and his costumes grow more outlandish to match! The whole company displays expert comic timing and stagecraft, but Hayes repeatedly had last night’s audience roaring with laughter. In contrast, ‘Monsieur Melancholy’ - Jaques - was played in a suitably curmudgeonly fashion by Christopher Saul.  

This well-balanced, whistle-stop tour of the play comes complete with plenty of surprises and moments of pure magic. It shows in Stratford for the next few weeks, so book your tickets now...

Four Stars

Reviewed by Jessica Clixby on Tuesday 27 June at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, where the show runs until Saturday 5 August.