An inclusive, refreshing and lively adaptation of Shakespeare’s As You Like It, is being staged in London’s brand new West End Theatre, Soho Place. With a cast full of wonderfully talented stars that will make you forget the freezing cold weather outside, and transport you to the sunny Forest of Arden.
Shakespeare’s As You Like It, has been adapted and directed by Josie Rourke. It is one of the Bard’s many comedies and tells the story of Rosalind (Rose Ayling-Ellis) and Orlando (Alfred Enoch), who both must leave their court lives behind in order to find freedom. They end up independently finding themselves in the countryside, with a choir of goats and all (…at least in this version!)
I’ll be honest: I’m no Shakespeare expert, in fact, as someone who speaks English as a second language, Middle English can be intimidating. So I was quite pleased as the play began, to find screens all around the auditorium with not just the lyrics to the songs, but also captions to the entire play, which this immigrant greatly appreciated.
All performances of this production are captioned, with the captions being fully incorporated within the performance. Actors react to and command the screens during the scenes. Another difference in this version of the play is the inclusion of BSL (British Sign Language), which is seamlessly integrated.
But inclusivity isn’t the only reason to see this play. With an incredibly talented cast making the text their own, delivering every line with freshness, I’d also like to give Michael Bruce some recognition. Bruce is the composer and on-stage pianist for the show. He continuously guides the story with the musical track, blending the songs and the sounds (which are also displayed on the captions), whilst playing a character in his own right who interacts, reacts and is fully incorporated into the plot.
The story progresses quickly, and the cross-shaped stage designed by Robert Jones adds to that movement, allowing the cast to come and go and never make you feel like you’ve been in a scene too long. Despite its simplicity, the passage of time and changing of locations are clearly felt.
Another highlight is the costumes which were co-designed by Jones and Poppy Hall, these are also done with simplicity. They are a delightful mix of theatrecraft and charity shop chic, which left me itching to try and find some similar pieces during my next shopping trip.
It is impossible to pick which performances to highlight, out of so many incredible stars, with so much charisma and energy. But the relationship that stood out to me wasn’t a romantic one. I was delighted to watch Rosalind (Leah Harvey – who I was lucky enough to see in Emilia – my favorite play) and Celia’s (Rose Ayling-Ellis) sisterly relationship play out and evolve. The connection between the two characters, the support and how they grow together is lovely to watch and it is so refreshing to see these kinds of relationships being highlighted even in a play written in 1599. I only wish there had been time for some more development on Jacques (Martha Plimpton), who is such a delight to watch whenever she is on stage.
As someone who mainly watches musicals, I really enjoyed the ballads, and as a curiosity (thanks, Google), As You Like It, is the Shakespearean play with the most songs. Therefore it is not only known as a Pastoral Comedy, but also a Musical Comedy. Lost In Theatreland reviews are also knowledge!
Whilst Shakespeare may not be my first choice when choosing a show, between the wonderfully diverse cast, the careful and thoughtful inclusivity of this production and the addition of music and songs, if more productions follow in Rouke’s footsteps, I could easily become a convert.
{🎟 AD – PR invite – Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review}
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