Directed by Thomas Makinson, with assistant director Penelope Hare and musical director Tobias Devereux, this non-traditional, community production involves an enthusiastic cast of 20 — one of the largest for a Globe production in recent memory.
As You Like It features many of the playful twists typical of Shakespeare’s comedies, including having fun with gender roles, nature and politics, to reflect on how bewildering yet wonderful life can be.
Fleeing to the forest of Arden after being banished from her uncle’s court, Rosalind (Maegan Stedman-Ashford) disguises herself as a shepherd boy, Ganymede.
While in disguise, Rosalind runs into her admirer Orlando (Patricia Panthleon) and attempts to make him fall for her, while Orlando believes Ganymede is there to cure him of love-sickness.
The play’s whimsical approach to gender had been increased three-fold, with gender-blind casting, and other queer aspects had been added to make some scenes "all the more impactful", he said.
As You Like It is Shakespeare’s most musical comedy, including five songs, giving musical director Tobias Devereux the opportunity to create new compositions incorporating folk, glam rock and rockabilly. A small live band will perform the songs as part of the show.
As You Like It opens tonight for a nine-show season until May 27, at the Globe Theatre in London St. Tickets are available via iTicket.
