In Ardenne
As You Like It
Christ Church and Said Amphitheare
13 June - 17 June
Disagreements in the court of Duke Frederick see Rosalind (Heather Oliver) and her cousin Celia (Claire Palmer) escape to the vibrant world of the Forest of Ardenne in Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It. There, adopting the personae of shepherding siblings, they reencounter Orlando (Jack Hawkins), who had won Rosalind’s eye with his proficiency for wrestling at court.
Rosalind, now disguised as the male Ganymede, entices her young admirer, deceiving him into practising his wooing with her, to the chagrin of her cousin. Meanwhile, other inhabitants of the forest, Phebe (Victoria Ross), Oliver (Paul Tosio) and Silvius (Peter Clapp) complicate the web of love with their own romantic intrigues. Director Tom Littler has done a splendid job with this most recent work by Primavera.
Christ Church Cathedral Gardens provide all the beauty one might expect of a Forest of Ardenne that bursts with vitality and colour. The mood is one of optimism and vigour, enhanced by vibrant costume and a lacing of the music of flutes and strings. The production’s greatest asset, however, is its hugely talented cast, among whom there is not one weak link.
Comic moments abound, but particularly ribtickling is Matt Trueman’s depiction of Corin, whose yokelish mannerisms and naïve interchanges with the courtly Touchstone (Hugh Trimble) are a highlight. Equally worthy of praise are Ross and Clapp, who combine together to hilarious effect when Phebe and Silvius share the stage.
There surely cannot be a better way to pass a sun-drenched evening than in the company of these lively forest-dwellers, enjoying a bowl of (complimentary) strawberries and cream. Should the flowery seclusion of the cathedral gardens not be your cup of tea, the final night gala to be performed in the open air amphitheatre of the Said Business School offers a spectacular alternative — As You Like It wholly meriting the proud honour of christening the venue.
Whether you are a brow-beaten finalist in need of a break or footloose, fancy free and ferreting for fun, pen this slice of Shakespearean cheer into your eighth week diary.
8th Jun 2006