Is this how Shakespearean comedy should be played in 2022?

By Angie Millard

The 30th production of Northern Broadsides takes the Shakespearian comedy As You Like It and, true to its title, offers a glorious interpretation of the play. Use is made of gender reversal, a strange dream-like texture and a stripping bare of the themes of the narrative. Love is there in abundance but it is evident in many different forms and reversals. However, it is the first production I have seen where Rosalind truly becomes the chief protagonist. This play is the story of Rosalind and her search for her real identity. 

The banishment of Rosalind and, by choice, her soul mate Celia, takes them away from the strict confines of the court. They enter the world of the Forest of Arden where they meet other characters who help them to find themselves. The play is reimagined  for a modern audience and it adapts superbly.

The staging design includes various items of clothing hanging from above and signifies the changes of identity evident in the play. While the forest is represented by a series of old fashioned hat stands. Costume is a crazy dressing up box mix of style mirroring the core of the production which is chaotic, yet, at times, very moving.

The company act as a brilliant ensemble with notable performances from Em Williams: a non-binary actor who uses both masculinity and femininity to give sharpness and clarity to the role. Jo Patmore as Celia establishes a strong and loving relationship with Rosalind to whom she is a strong support.

Joe Morrow played an outrageous Touchstone: sharp, witty and gifted with superb comic timing. His camp touches were particularly funny in his scenes with Audrey, played by Terri Jade Donovan. She is a good straight partner in his comedy.

But I must also mention their sheep herding scene which used three of the cast in an ingeniously funny sequence. What is it about acting as animals which is so endearing and comic?

Northern Broadsides has produced a show which gives us Shakespearian comedy for a modern audience. It is daring and jettisons the precious attitude to Shakespeare and all the accompanying theatrical conventions. Congratulations to the director for his vision and his bravery.

There were two understudies on the night I saw the production and it is to the company’s credit that I was completely unaware of this throughout.

As You Like It was performed at York Theatre Royal on 23 March 2022. The director was Laurie Sansom. The Designer was E.M. Parry. The Technical Manager was Symon Culpan, Deputy Stage Manager was Claire Litton, Assistant Stage Manager was Anna Reid, Company Stage Manager was Caroline Sheard and Costume Maintenance was by Amy Jones.

The cast were:

Silvius/ Charles: Bailey Brook

Celia: Jo Patmore

Orlando: Shaban Dar

Audrey: Terri Jade Donovan

Duke Fredrick/Duke Senior: Ali Gadema

Phoebe: Gemma Dobson

Adam/Corin: Claire Hackett

Oliver: Reuben Johnson

Jaques: Robin Simpson

Touchstone: Joe Morrow

Amiens: Jo Patmore

Rosalind: Em Williams