As You Like It review: A Bridgerton look and a Celtic sound make for a truly mad production
For those who remain sceptical that Shakespeare can be fun, allow me to prescribe the Globe's latest production of As You Like It.
As You Like It, performed at Shakespeare’s Globe, received a modest ★★★☆☆ rating. This production of the Shakespeare play aimed to appeal to those who might be skeptical about Shakespeare's potential for fun. The storyline is relatively simple, focusing on heroine Rosalind fleeing to the Forest of Arden after being exiled from the royal court.
To compensate for the lack of complex plot, the production embraces silliness, with elements like forest men carrying carcasses, a clown dueling in his undergarments, and an offstage lion fight.
The staging is strikingly bare, featuring only giant blank canvases as a backdrop. The cast is dressed in Bridgerton-style finery, including pastel satins and frilly collars, and must perform without entries or exits from the backstage. The design, by Laura Hunt, intentionally mixes elements from 17th-18th century court settings to create a unique aesthetic impact.
Rosalind and Celia initially appear before the canvases as though they are being framed, while the court fool provides entertainment. Once banished by Act 2, they adopt disguises and enter the forest, where the scenery transitions from blank to live-painted trees. This transformation is achieved through an artistic process, with actual artists painting the set live each night. This gimmick is engaging, albeit still a gimmick.
The production's highlight is undoubtedly its music, featuring five songs written by Shakespeare himself. Musical director Katie Richardson reimagines them in a folksy, traditional style, adding frenetic energy to the forest scenes. Richardson, referred to as the 'mad drummerwoman', dominates the set by standing on a balcony and enthusiastically drumming - a mesmerizing addition to the cast.
The leading roles of Rosalind, Celia, and Touchstone are performed by Lola Shalam, Gracie Oddie-James, and Jonnie Broadbent, respectively.
Overall, this production is a fun and ridiculous offering to conclude Shakespeare’s Globe's summer season. While it may be lacking in emotional depth, as Celia observes the Forest, the same can be said of the reviewer's appreciation for the Globe: they enjoy it and are willing to spend time there. As You Like It runs at Shakespeare’s Globe until October 25th.
Written by urgent.news from City AM's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
