EVERYMAN THEATRE: AS YOU LIKE IT | STAGE REVIEW
Everyman Open Air Theatre Festival, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Wed 22 July
For a master of death, tragedy and general wordiness, Shakespeare also managed a few comedies in his time. Last night’s performance of As You Like It saw one of Shakespeare’s most famous comedies come to life in perhaps the most apt of settings.
The audience was greeted by a folk band, to which leading lady Rosalind sang (whilst Orlando did laps around the stage, although I’m not sure that was actually part of it). The band remained present throughout, providing small musical intervals between longer scene changes. If you’re familiar with the play, you’ll know it’s fairly musical anyway, and the music fit in perfectly with the forest setting. There was no backdrop needed with Bute Park in view, bringing Shakespeare’s Arden into the middle of the city.
What struck me from the first act, however, was the choice to change both Dukes to Duchesses – for me, it didn’t add anything, but it certainly didn’t take anything away either. By the time the play moved from the court to the Forest of Arden, complete with the scattering of leaves on the stage, I’d completely forgotten about it. After all, it is a play about a woman pretending to be a man, who then pretends to be a woman to make a man prove his love for her. Confusing as it may seem, it was surprisingly easy to keep up with.
Overall, the play stayed true to Shakespeare’s original – language and all – but that certainly shouldn’t put anyone off. The slapstick humour in the performance had the audience in stitches throughout and made up for some of the outdated aspects of Shakespearian humour. The performers handled the language brilliantly and if any of them were beginning to feel the chill in the second half (the disadvantages of open air theatre) they certainly didn’t show it, remaining upbeat and in perfectly in character.
Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare or not, there’s definitely something in this production for everyone. Perhaps the audience participation in the singing took light heartedness a little far, but who cares. What happens in Arden, stays in Arden.
words MAIR UNWIN
As You Like It, Everyman Open Air Theatre Festival Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, until Sat 1 Aug. Tickets: £6-£16. Info: www.everymanfestival.co.uk