FOUR STARS
SHAKESPEARE'S As You
Like It is one of his most clever and sublime comedies and features
some of his best loved characters.
Done well it is a joy
and this can certainly be said of Blanche McIntyre’s glorious
production now on at the Globe.
It is often described
as a pastoral romance full of cross dressing, brilliant conversation,
satire, love and forgiveness.
Most of the action
takes place in the Forest Of Arden where Rosalind, the daughter of an
unjustly exiled duke, escapes to after her usurping uncle banishes
her from court.
It is a cruel blow as
she’s just caught sight of the Orlando, a courtier who has also
been wronged having been deprived of his birthright by his brother.
However, Rosalind
disguises herself as a boy and together with her cousin Celia goes
looking for her father and his friends in the forest.
As luck would have it
she bumps into Orlando again. He confesses his love for her via a
series of love notes posted on the trees but she cannot reveal her
true self to him as she’s in her boyish garb. Instead she counsels
him in the art of love.
It is a fantastically
written play and this current production shows it off spectacularly.
Michelle Terry is
fabulous as Rosalind – showing a feistiness that is delightful. Her
reaction of "phwoar” at the sight of Orlando’s (Simon
Harrison) rather impressive six pack is hilarious.
She is ably supported
by a stellar cast including James Garnon who puts in a memorable
performance as the rather miserable Jaques and Daniel Crossley as a
truly funny Touchstone thanks to the speed of his delivery.
As is the norm with the
Globe the actors make full use of the audience and it is a joy to be
and feel fully involved with this funny and brilliantly staged
production.
As You Like It is on at
Shakespeare's Globe, Bankside until September 5. Tickets cost from
£5. Visit www.shakespearesglobe.com or call the box office on 020
7401 9919.
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