A playful approach to gender and relationships adds to the joyful high jinks in a delightful Globe Theatre production of Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It.
Directed by Thomas Makinson, with assistant director Penelope Hare and musical director Tobias Devereux, the production is filled with energy and fun, keeping the action moving forward in entertaining fashion.
A strong and enthusiastic ensemble cast is confidently led by a Maegan Stedman-Ashford (Rosalind), Patricia Panthleon (Orlando), River Charteris-Wright (Celia), Evelyn Virens (Olivia), Craig Storey (Jacques), Daniel Cromar (Touchstone), Brent Caldwell (Duke Frederick and Duke Senior), AJ Keable (Phoebe), Daniel McClymont (Corin) and Sacha McConnon (Amiens and Le Beau), with Makinson standing in for Gareth Adams (Adam) on opening night.
They and the rest of the 20-strong cast work beautifully together to bring the Bard’s witty words to life, creating distinctive and sympathetic characters, while keeping the stage business lively throughout.
All join together to sing five impressive original compositions of Shakespeare’s songs — written especially for the show by Devereux, and sprinkled through the action.
On a simple but effective white set, the cast’s colourful, Bowie-inspired costumes really pop, adding greatly to the sense of fun and mischief of the play.
All in all, the Globe’s As You Like It is a very fine production, well worth seeing and enjoying. Bravo!
