This outdoor production of As You Like It was set in a beautiful park, in an enclosed
spot surrounded by trees.
The set was kept simple with minimal set changes and the sound relied on the
actors’ projection and energy to carry it, which was perfect for its setting. The show
was advertised as a family-friendly show and I was intrigued how the director was
going to make it accessible whilst utilising Shakespeare’s script and plot. In the
show I attended, it was fantastic to see the involvement of a community youth cast
who were made to feel fully part of the show.
The cast members worked incredibly hard, playing multiple roles, sometimes
switching extremely quickly between characters. Some characters’ costumes were
easy to spot when they were playing different characters; however, not everyone’s
costumes and hair differed greatly enough.
The actors were really keen to engage with the audience, and they fully utilised all
spaces available to them, staying in character as they walked up and down the
central and side aisles. Other times, they walked through us, over blankets, spoke
directly to us, and even sat among us at times, pinching food from our picnics! This
certainly brought engagement, humour and laughter to the show.
There somehow seemed to be a disjointed feeling of old and new. Whilst the actors
spoke using Shakespearean language throughout the majority of the show, a few
modern ‘pop’ songs appeared sporadically. Whilst they did offer a modern twist, and
added a bit of fun, they felt out of place and like an add-on to justify the ‘family
feeling’. The show included an interactive folksy type song, accompanied by a guitar
and cello played by actors on stage. This seemed to work much better and we
enjoyed joining in singing our newly learned song as well as getting to accompany the
song with ‘egg shakers’.
The standout funny moments were when actors came out dressed as goats. There
was great attention to detail within the acting and some fabulous characterisation as
goats, which had the audience laughing.
Whilst some people might have found this show fun and creative, I found it more
forced than enjoyable. It was definitely a different take on Shakespeare—bold,
unusual and unexpected.
The show is advertised as family-friendly. I feel that it would be a struggle for a child
under 14 to fully engage with this show, due to the complicated language
throughout, as well as the complication of actors playing multiple parts. However, as a group of adults out to have a relaxed evening of theatre, in a beautiful, calm
setting, then this is a show for you.
⭐⭐⭐
As You Like It plays in parks and open spaces in East London until Sunday 3rd August 2025. Tickets and venues can be found here www.elsf.uk
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