RSC As You Like It at Holloway Garden Theatre - Review

RSC As You Like It at Holloway Garden Theatre - Review

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Posted 2024-07-28 by Alison in Birmingham follow

Thu 18 Jul 2024 - Sun 01 Sep 2024



It's been three years since the RSC opened this outdoor theatre allowing visitors to experience Shakespeare in beautiful Stratford-upon-Avon al fresco surroundings due to the pandemic. Although social distancing has long gone, the unique theatre is back with comedy As You Like It .

The last time I was here, the weather wasn't kind to me and saying it poured with rain is an understatement. You take your chance with the Royal Shakespeare Company's Holloway Garden Theatre which overlooks the exterior of the historic Swan Theatre, steps from the stunning River Avon.

Changeable British weather means it's best to bring a raincoat but there were as many temporary RSC waterproofs being bought as programmes on press night, although there was only a slight drizzle in places. Worth noting that there's no shade in the slight chance there's a hot sunny day this year.

That's all part of the unusual experience of seeing As You Like It this Summer, which runs at the Holloway Garden Theatre until September 1.

With a wide-open sky above and swans honking nearby, a charismatic team of actors put on Brendan O'Hea's production of the romantic play. It's set in the Forest of Arden so apt to be outside among the sounds of nature and British weather.

This is a very musical production with actors who also play violins, guitars and other instruments during atmospheric interludes from the script. It's been cut back to just 70 minutes in total with no interval, so it skips along at an entertaining pace.

Light-hearted and fun with famous lines like "all the world's a stage", it's a perfect introduction for all ages to seeing Shakespeare live. Partly because there's an easy storyline to follow around various lovestruck young people including Rosalind, her cousin Celia and the man she's besotted with, Orlando.

They have all been exiled from court due to political and family feuds, but end up in the forest as outcasts together. Romance, mistaken identities and other antics follow in this sprightly adaptation with beautiful bohemian costumes that look 1950s in style.



Letty Thomas as Rosalind, shown above in the rear with Christina Tedders as Celia, is an impressive lynchpin to most of the action. Christina Tedders has a refreshing, modern frivolity as cousin Celia, weighed down with personalised suitcases when heading into the forest like a prima donna.

As it's outdoors, the stage is bare of scenery so it's never going to be as lavish as those productions showing in the main RSC Theatre or Swan Theatre this Summer, including The Merry Wives of Windsor and The School For Scandal .

Yet what it offers is an irresistible and charming experience where actors compete with the sound of swans and laughter rings out as the sun, or rain, starts to come down. It makes Shakespeare's words stand out even more with more emphasis on the skills of this well-versed cast.



Luke Brady as Orlando in particular managed a strong performance despite injuring his ankle and being forced to sit on a chair at the side of the stage throughout. It made for some added jokes and managed not to disrupt the overall effect too much. Brady is pictured above.

Songs, jokes, spirit and heart - this lively outdoor Shakespeare production of As You Like It has it all. Something special for the Summer so catch it while you can.

RATING: 4 out of 5 stars


Catch the RSC's As You Like It at the Holloway Garden Theatre until September 1. Tickets cost £20 or £10 for under-25s. Those in a wheelchair and their companion can get £16 tickets in a designated area.


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290998 - 2024-07-28 13:04:53

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