York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 26th March 2022
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
3***
Northern Broadsides, with their 30th production, are once again gracing the stage at York Theatre Royal with their adaption, in conjunction with New Vic Theatre, of the Shakespearian comedy As You Like It.
As You Like It follows its heroine Rosalind (EM Williams) as she flees persecution in her uncle’s court. Accompanied by her cousin Celia (Jo Patmore) and disguising herself as a boy, they both eventually finding safety and love in the Forest of Arden. This is a show of drama, full of treachery, unrequited love, silliness, but ultimately it ends up being a love story, with everything falling into place and coming right in the world.
The set comprises of vintage clothes hanging mid-air, various hat stands around the stage, with a large one centre stage, which is used as a maypole in the show’s finale. The hat stands are well utilised to depicts the Forest of Arden and a sheep’s pen. Clothes rails are used for actors to change clothing on stage, with actors jumping through them to exit the stage. The costumes are very eclectic, bold and beautiful.
The ensemble cast, with Patmore taking on the role of Celia, as well as her other roles, and Robin Simpson stepping in to take on the role as Jacques, bring an energy to the piece. The comedy element of the play is most evident in the bizarre, hilarious sheep piece, where we see three of the actors on all fours, clip clopping around on the stage. Joe Morrow as Touchstone the Clown is a good fit with his improvised comedy. He has a great rapport with the audience, not surprising due to his background in compering and cabaret, very natural in his sparkly red shoes.
Patmore not only makes us laugh as William, fully of swagger in his exceedingly large puffer coat, but brings a warmth to proceedings with her Celia. She also has a beautiful voice, she is the whole package. The most notable performance though must surely go to Williams. They bring so much vitality and physicality to their character, Rosalind/Ganymede and show great dexterity with their, what I would describe as pole dancing, on the largest of the hat stands.
At times I did struggle to hear what was being said and found a few sections overly long, the play could have been shorter. To be fair I’m not the biggest fan of Shakespeare, yes, I’ve said it, but this is worth a watch for the performances alone.
This is not Shakespeare quite as you imagine it, it is Shakespeare with northern accents, reimagined for a modern audience. With the lead being played by non-binary actor EM Williams and other roles where gender, race or disability have no bearing, this is a truly inclusive cast, indicative of today’s world