A truly immersive and captivating show from the RSC with many interesting twists and turns keeping the audience on their toes from start to finish.
Director Kimberly Sykes continues to shock and amaze audience members with her new and interesting takes on the Shakespeare classics. In true Elemental Theatre Company style the audience were taken on a journey following the love story of the beautiful Rosalind (Lucy Phelps) and love-struck Orlando (David Ajao). The story leaves the city and luxury life during a powerful soliloquy by Duke Senior (Antony Byrne), breaking the 'fourth-wall' and taking the audience backstage, before returning the forest of Arden. Banished from the City, Rosalind and her best friend Celia (Sophie Khan Levy) disguise themselves, leading to some perfectly timed comedy and chaos.
This is the perfect show for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of professionally produced Shakespeare, as the character of Touchstone (Sandy Grierson) will have you laughing from the moment he creeps onto the stage. The memorable '7 stages of man' speech was performed in such a captivating manor by Jaques (Sophie Stanton). The actors never rested, staying in character and mingling with the audience during the interval. Even the audience got a chance to be on the world famous stage at the RSC. 5 members of the audience (including me!) were selected to join the actors in some comic capers, during Orlando's love-note scenes.
The performance was spell binding, immersive and so inclusive; with the RSC now showcasing 2 disabled actors. It really is a show to behold. Currently performed at the RSC, Stratford-upon-Avon until 31st of August.
On tour at various venues in England, 25th of September 2019 - 4th of April 2020
Runtime: 2 hours 56 minutes including interval
For more information, full cast and crew listings and to book tickets visit the RSC website:
https://www.rsc.org.uk/as-you-like-it/
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