Yes I Do Like It

So this weekend I headed south of the river to the National Theatre to see a preview of their latest Shakespearean offering - As You Like It!

I feel like Autumn has been transformed into a Shakespeare orientated season for me. Aside from As You Like It, I saw Romola Garai tread the boards at the Young Vic in Measure for Measure last week and in December I'll be back to see Macbeth - a personal favourite of mine.

The exciting thing about all these productions is the fresh new talent emerging in the land of theatre. From directors to actors, Shakespeare's plays are being revitalised in a way that doesn't demean the original language, but instead brings a fresh perspective and relevance to a modern audience.

As You Like It, Old Vic, 1890 (Internet Shakespeare Edition)

So As You Like It. It's one of Shakespeare plays you hear about, but like many of his other works seems to fall under the shadow of Hamlet, Macbeth, Midsummer Nights Dream and Romeo and Juliet the play I studied so much at school that I can't stand to see performances of it - sorry Shakey! Fortunately, there appears to be a growing appetite fo see the lesser performed Shakespeare plays with the National Theatre, The Globe and the Young Vic bringing forth some amazing productions. I particularly enjoyed the Globe's production of Titus Adronicus - thank goodness I wasn't one of the fainting victims.

For those who are not familiar with the story, here is a very brief synopsis. Frederick has banished his older brother and taken over the Duchy to become Duke of the kingdom. To keep his daughter, Celia, company he decides to allow his niece Rosalind to stay.  

Meanwhile Orlando, the youngest son of a Duke who was in favour with Rosalind's father, meets Rosalind and falls in love with her. However; he is being persecuted by his older brother and therefore flees to the forest of Arden for safety. 

Rosalind's Uncle then decides to exile her from the city and out of love for her cousin, Celia flees with Rosalind in to the Forest of Arden - disguised as a young man and poor lady. For added comedy value the court clown Touchstone naturally accompanies the ladies just cause even more comedic chaos. As you can imagine with most false identity plays there's laughter, absurdity, star crossed lover and naturally a conclusion that satisfies all. I expect I've also caused a lot more confusion.

In this production, director Polly Findlay, brings the play forward a few centuries and the court in France is now an office, with jazziest carpet I've ever seen, and the forest of Arden is what can only be described as a technical marvel - I won't say anymore, but the stage transition is truly magical.  

Besides the modern appearances, the language is still retained and every single actor (main and ensemble) delivers a perfect performance. Rosalie Craig and Joe Bannister's Rosalind and Orlando are the ideal duo who deliver the perfect partnership as the lovers trying to find their happy ending - Rosalie's turn as a man and outwitting everyone on stage is brilliant. However; as this is a comedy, you can't help but be drawn to Touchstone and Celia. Mark Benton does a fabulous routine of the many ways to be killed and Patsy Ferran's Celia has the ability to steal scenes without even uttering a word. A simple gesture and she has command of the stage and the audience.

Whilst in many performances the leads steal the limelight and the praise in reviews, a special round of applause must go to the ensemble cast. Not only did they entertain us as office staff whilst we took our seats, but without them the atmosphere and the elements of the forest of Arden would not be possible. It's amazing what the human body can accomplish.

All the world's a stage and this is certainly a stage that needs to be seen. The play opens on the 4th December 2015 until the 5th March 2016. For more information or to book tickets visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk. I'm heading back in the new year with my family in tow!

Now to leave you with some of my favorite lines from Shakespeare:

"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts" As You Like It (Act II Scene VII)

"To be, or not to be: that is the question" Hamlet (Act III Scene I)

"A horse! a horse! My kingdom for a horse!" King Richard III (Act V Scene IV)

"When shall we three meet again in thunder, lightning, or in rain? When the hurlyburly's done, When the battle's lost and won" Macbeth (Act I Scene I) 
 
"The course of true love never did run smooth" Midsummer Night's Dream (Act I Scene I) 
 
 NB:Images featured are courtesy of the National Theatre