As You Like It – Royal Shakespeare Company
Review by Lesley Finlay
As You Like It is a difficult play, for a comedy. It is wordy and serious with grand themes that are still current. It explores the different worlds of the court and country life – for a modern audience, read materialism versus the ‘back to basics’ ethos.
Rosalind (Katy Stephens) looked aged in her stiff court garb and seemed to get younger as the play progressed – culminating in her life-affirming song at the end where she threw off all cares in a joyous moment.
A delicious Northern Irish brogue made Jonjo O’Neill’s character special – a pretty Orlando but was he nervous? He seemed so at first.
Richard Katz played Touchstone with hilarious comic timing, and physicality but a harsh edge and the woeful Jacques (Forbes Masson), the pessimistic doomsayer, was spot-on.
The delightful Mariah Gale played Celia with charm but it was the beautiful and engaging Ms Stephens who shone, with an accomplished, light touch performance. Rosalind is one hell of a role for a woman and Stephens played her marvellously – a joy to watch. Michael Boyd’s direction knocks one between the eyes – from the ferocity of the fight scene to the engaging dances, songs, and ensemble pieces. Wonderful.
We saw this at The Roundhouse as part of the RSC’s attempt to ‘get out more’, but sadly, that week, the company cancelled its sojourn in Newcastle due to budget cuts – a real shame as more people should have the chance to see the very best of our theatre, performed by the very best.
Visit www.rsc.org.uk for details of the Stratford season.