All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. One of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies with quotes to boot, As You Like It is a big-hearted romp of a play that deals with everything from unrequited love to gender identity and injustice.
This lively adaptation by the Queensland Theatre traces Rosalind (played by Emma Wright), who is banished from court with her cousin Celia (Courtney Cavallaro) by the tyrant Duke. The pair flee to the Forest of Arden, where they disguise themselves amongst other fugitives. What follows is a tangled web of star-crossed lovers, mismatched identities and enough twists to make your stomach feel as if it has been damned by an ill-roasted egg.
This adaption is brought to us by the acclaimed Shakespearean director Damien Ryan (Taming of the Shrew) with melodic songs by Alec Steedman and costume design by Emma White. Expect the theatre to be transformed into the Forest of Arden, where you can watch this tale unravel in this pastoral comedy of wit, love and folly.
Running at the Billie Brown Theatre from April 15 until May 13, you can book tickets to see As You Like It on the Queensland Theatre website here.
Consider booking a 'Night with the Artists' on April 24, where you can get to know the players behind the production and learn how the tale was translated from script to stage.
