Lowry Theatre, Salford – until 5 October 2019
Reviewed by Niamh Holleran
5*****
When I went in to the theatre to see As You Like It, I began frantically reading the program to try and gain some understanding about what I was seeing, being unfamiliar with the play. I panicked when I didn’t understand the summary and wondered whether I would be lost and confused for the next few hours. However, by ten minutes in, I was fully engaged with the story.
The set was fantastic and made great use of lighting and music to set the scene so the audience felt fully engaged. Lucy Phelps as Rosalind, the principal character who later disguises herself as a man was fantastic, her many asides to the audience hilarious and authentic. The night I attended, the role of Orlando was played by the understudy, Aaron Thiara and his performance was outstanding – he had a natural charm that drew the audience to him, meaning when he invited spectators up on stage with him to reveal a secret, it felt surprising yet comfortable. The audience felt involved throughout, especially when the lights were turned on for the forest scenes as though we were in there with them.
Finally, I must mention the inclusion of British Sign Language actress Charlotte Arrowsmith as Audrey, which was phenomenal. The use of sign language was excellent and seamless – it was hard to imagine the character not being deaf and added to the allure of the endearing relationship between her and the Fool.
All in all, an excellent way to spend an evening.