Review: AS YOU LIKE IT - RSC Theatre (06/10/26)
New all-male production is overflowing with wit and whimsy
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The Royal Shakespeare Company have been going from strength to strength of late, and this latest exponent of the Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey era is no exception, featuring a fresh reimagining one of the bard's more popular comedies, and harkening back to the days of the bard himself, they have brought in an all-male cast led by Tony Award winning actor Jonathan Groff, in his debut at the RSC. When one thinks of Shakespeare's comedies, often what will come to mind is a great deal of romantic tension, plenty mistaken identities, and that endearing sense of altruism that often accompanies these tales of human connection; all of this considered, "As You Like It" absolutely ticks all of the boxes.
We follow Rosalind, daughter of the banished Duke Senior, and niece to his usurping brother Frederick, who has fallen head over heels for Orlando, the youngest son of Sir Rowland de Bois, but later ends up following in her father's footsteps and being cast out of the kingdom to join him in the forest of Arden, along with her cousin Celia. Here, she disguises herself as a young male shepherd named Ganymede in order to avoid detection, with Celia also donning a disguise for safety. Much of the play takes place in these woodlands, along with Duke Senior's band of outlaws, as well as Orlando, his servant Adam, and court fool Touchstone.
Due to the prominence of Arden itself during the show, it therefore stands to reason that Anisha Fields would give so much care and attention to the set design, her impressive multi-levelled array of greenery proving beautifully vibrant and verdant, which contrasts terrifically well with the bare, sparse, colourless visual palate that is so prevalent during the first act. Lighting by Ryan Day adds so much to this production with some delightfully imaginative additions, whilst Paul Groothuis's wild, vivid soundscape brings a sense of pastoral tranquility to proceedings, and the gorgeous vocal chorus moments masterminded by Theo Jamieson only enhance this.
What really stood out most though is the distinct clarity with which Evans and Harvey have led in presenting this story as, although the show has a definitive creative identity, they have clearly afforded a great deal of freedom to the cast to express themselves, and there is a remarkable ease about the delivery, in spite of the often challenging nature of Shakespeare's style of writing. Not only this, but the comedy hits on all cylinders, both through the text itself and the delivery thereof, with a healthy smattering of campness and sass thrown in for good measure.
Jonathan Groff will no doubt be at the forefront of our collective consciousness with this production, and he has more than justified his inclusion with a performance of real vim and vigour, his take on Rosalind is warm, inviting, yet completely off-the-scale bonkers. Though he is best known for his work in musical theatre, Groff shows with aplomb his remarkable adaptability, taking to Shakespeare like a duck to water. Playing opposite him as Celia, Fisayo Akinade displays boundless humour and heart, giving arguably the comedic performance of the night, and working seamlessly with Groff in what is a sensational double act; but the fact that this is a fully male cast, this adds considerably to the comedic appeal.
Rosalind's primary romantic interest Orlando is brought to life with real youthful exuberance and energy by Elliot Barnes-Worrell, contrasting superbly with older sibling Oliver, Caleb Roberts bringing a headstrong and self-assuredness to the character. It is never easy to portray two different characters in one play, especially when their respective characteristics are so at odds with one another, and Gary Wilmot has achieved this masterfully, with his marvellously menacing, conniving portrayal of Duke Frederick, and subsequent switch to the more kindly, benevolent Duke Senior, showing his effortless acting range.
The supporting cast has no shortage of highlights, and the vocal harmonies between the entire cast were as tight as in any musical. More than anything though, this is just a wonderfully whimsical, splendidly upbeat production that delighted, amused and roused us into a frenzy, not even an 80-minute technical delay in the first cast could dampen our mood, as we left the theatre in a great spirits and with full hearts.
★★★★★ (5*)
"As You Like It" runs at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre until the 7th of November (tickets)
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