As You Like It by William Shakespeare, RSC at Holloway Garden Theatre, 1hr 30 mins – no interval, ‘til 1 September 2024. AD Performance 8 August 2024.

5✩✩✩✩✩ Review: Rod Dungate.

This production feels so very comfortable in its intimate outdoor theatre that nestles so very comfortably within the trees of the Forest of Arden. Well, of course, it is not the Forest of Arden, it is the trees on the edge of the Avon; but it feels the same.  And it makes this production extraordinarily special; it is a gem.

The play is much cut down, so it whizzes along.  Outdoors means slightly broader playing,  a sense of rough-edged.  Could be a no trimmings, pop-up performance.

All of these combine to give the whole a feeling of naivete, it brings the youthfulness of the story wham-bang up front.  Lovely stuff.

The truth is, of course, there is great art in this artifice; elements are carefully crafted to dovetail.

Luke Brady’s Orlando is superb.  He sizzles with youthful energy which is infectious.  In addition, his vocal qualities are second to none; he is a total delight. Letty Thomas’ Rosalind is also strong and engaging, though she does not quite manage Brady’s relaxed performance.

Director, Brendan O’Hea, has made some inventive choices with his team so that the production sustains its fresh, rough-hewn feel.  Chris Nayak’s Brummie Duke and Trevor Fox’s Geordie Jaques are wickedly funny, yet truth to the text is maintained.  ‘All the world’s a stage’ is transformed from poetic metaphor to quaint good sense.

It is also delightful to see how the cutting of the text brings much more to the fore the host of quirky characters who live in the Forest.

The play has a handful of well-known songs.  These are given a friendly wash-and-brush up in Catherine Jayes’ music, a combination of ragtime, trad jazz, and music hall.  All played by cast members; all of whom sing beautifully too.

O’Hea has created with his team a very special , happy event.  What more could you want!

Cast

Rosalind – Letty Thomas

Duke Senior/Charles the Wrestler – Peter Dukes

Duke Frederick/Silvus – Chris Nayak

Celia – Christina Tedders

Touchstone/Adam – Duncan Wisbey

Amiens/Phoebe – Natasha Magigi

Le Beau/Audrey – Susannah Van Den Berg

Orlando – Luke Brady

Oliver/Corin – Ned Derrington

Jaques/William – Trevor Fox

On-Stage Cover – Rachel Winters

Creatives

Director – Brendan O’Hea

Sets & Costumes – Liam Bunster

Composer & Music Director – Catherine Jayes

Sound – Jonathan Ruddick

Voice & Text – Emma Woodvine

Audio Describers – Ess Grange & Julia Grundy