A scintillating
night all round for the spectacle that is Northern Broadside’s latest
production of 'As You Like It', touring the UK until the 2nd of July.
The cast and creative team completely transform the Quay’s Theatre space in the
Lowry to take us with them from the wrestling-crazed Dukedom of France, to the
gloriously magical Forest of Arden. With the subtleties of Shakespeare’s plot
points navigated with ease and the vision of the creative team delivered to a T
it really is an adventure not to be missed.
The show opens
with a feisty encounter between the two sons of Sir Roland De Boys. With older
brother Oliver (Reuben Johnson) grappling and dominating younger brother and second
protagonist of the show Orlando (Shaban Dar). The boys set the tone of the show
with fantastic energy & clarity which is invaluable for a two and a half
hour-long Shakespeare. Thanks to this encounter we immediately route for
Orlando portrayed fantastically by Shaban Dar often holding as the linchpin for
the action unfolding around him.
We are then
thrust in to this almost dystopian court, crazed and obsessed with the sport of wrestling. The audience are whipped up emphatically by Joe Morose in what can
only be described as Ru Paul's answer to a ring announcer. Not quite Bruce
Buffer but exciting and effective all the same. The fight choreography from
Bethan Clarke was accurate and efficient, keeping us on the edge of our seat.
All underscored with an epic electronic score composed by Robert Bentall.
This is also
the point we meet Celia played by the subtle yet energetic Isobel Coward and Rosalind
portrayed by the insanely versatile EM Williams. At first exposure we see them
play a sassy and steadfast Rosalind. We continue to marvel at their
transformation in to a love-drunk Ganymede before knitting the nuances together
at the end to become, as Orlando states, ‘His Rosalind’. This performance is
what it’s all about. Clarity of thought and speech whilst making bold and
truthful choices, holding an audience in the palm of their hand to the very end
of the epilogue. Actors take note!
From here we
are thrust into a new world as we follow the protagonists separately into the
Forest Of Arden. This is where both E.M Parry (Designer) & Kieron Johnson
(Lighting Designer) really come into their own. With the warming colours of
both costume and lights we feel ready to explore this wacky world of wilderness
with the characters. The costume is a constant highlight throughout this show
with designs and vibes similar to that of 'A Clockwork Orange', it was impossible
not to be dazzled.
As we
journey through the trees, impressively guised as old school coat stands, we
meet a banished community of rural dwellers. We are introduced to Silvius
(Bailey Brook) as he longs for Phoebe (Gemma Dobson). Brook brings to the character
such youthful energy in his plight to pursue the ever cold and spikey Dobson.
This constantly-changing chase is key to setting up the resolution of
Rosalind’s grand plan at the piece's climax. We meet Duke Senior (Ali Gadema)
who assumes the chair of this Mad Hatter style tea party. Gadema gives us a
stark contrast of character from Duke Frederick the bitter and spiteful usurper,
his brother.
Claire
Hackett, Adam Kashmiry and Jo Patmore all have their moments to shine, and boy, do they take it. With Patmore in particular showcasing her effortless musical
talents to supplement a world bursting with vibrancy.
Lastly we
meet Touchstone (Joe Morose) & Audrey (Terri Jade Donovan) who make a
dynamic duo. Though Audrey speaks very little Donovan treats us with a myriad
of expressions and actions to compliment Morose’s antics both in and out of the
fourth wall. They eventually marry with Morose in his underwear and Donovan
looking like The Gruffalo’s long lost cousin. Brilliantly Bonkers!
This
ensemble performance is so refreshing and enchanting we willingly follow the
story's every move. Ducking and weaving through the plot, gorgeously symbolised
in the last wedding scene with the cast wrapping their respective journeys
around a maypole centre stage (Also a ginormous coat stand!).
The contrast
of The Forest, The Dukedom, real life and dream sequences is always giving us
something to think about that ultimately builds up a reservoir of hope, despair
and devotion that we feel for all of these characters. Curated and nurtured by
the experienced and innovative Laurie Sansom and with words honoured by the man
himself it’s fair to say we had it just as we liked it!
Reviewer - Jack Wagman
on - 9/3/22
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