On entering the theatre this afternoon, we were presented with an open stage, upon which a set, very reminiscent of the great age of Shakespeare productions (i.e.. circa 1930) was shown. A sideways set of steps and stark black pillars with a bare syc to the rear. The programme notes do not say in which time period the play is set, nor was I previously aware, but as soon as the cast walked on wearing costumes reminiscent of the between-war years, I felt vindicated.
'As You Like It' is one of Shakespeare's comedies, and in this production, directed by ex-student Emily Raymond, there was much to admire and enjoy. On the surface, the plot is easy to follow and the characters mono-dimensional, but actually, strip away the outer layer, and as with many other Shakespearean characters, there is much more to them than at first meets the eye. The play was kept quite pacey and light, and yet, not to much. WE still invested in their follies and their plights, and a good balance between characters and scenes was found.
Hopey Parish was born to play the role of Rosalind, and having seen countless versions of this play over the years, it was her interpretation this afternoon which I shall now use as my new benchmark for the future. Her performance was incredibly well measured and not a single syllable was out of place, whilst physically she commanded the stage without upstaging anyone. All of the actors this afternoon impressed, and it is easy to see why the Manchester School of Theatre holds on to its reputation of excellence. Other performers this afternoon to give me goosebumps were Naomi Ricci's Phoebe, and the inspired decision to cast Edward Burgess as Audrey.
Sensibly not utilising the standard RP accent which seems to be (apart from Northern Broadsides) de rigueur for all Shakespeare plays, this was a very enjoyable, sensible and sensitive interpretation of one of the Bard's more enduring plays.
Reviewer - Alastair Zyggu
Reviewed - 8.3.25
Reviewed - 8.3.25
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