AS YOU LIKE IT. To 24 September.
Newcastle Under Lyme
AS YOU LIKE IT
by William Shakespeare
New Vic Theatre To 24 September 2005
Mon-Sat 7.30pm Mat 24 Sept 2.30pm no performance 15. 19 Sept
Captioned 20 Sept
Talkback 20 Sept
Runs: 2hrs 45 min. One interval
TICKETS: 01782 717962
www.newvictheatre.org.uk
Review: Ranjit Khutan 2 September
Fun in a well-cast Arden.Set in the magical Forest of Arden, As You Like It weaves a tangled web of disguise and romance. Banished from the city by one of the play's evil brothers Duke Frederick, Rosalind disguises herself as a young boy and flees to the Forest where she falls in love.
Lucy Pitman-Wallace's ably directed production breathes life and energy into the many thematic ideas woven throughout this play. Through the use of a strong cast she highlights the journeys of young lovers into each other's arms and the discovery of new worlds. Jess Curtis has designed a workable set and coupled with traditional costume the overall effect highlights the various themes - coming of age, the conflict of good over evil, and a journey where our players discover their true selves.
The themes are timeless and poignant even to modern audiences and Shakespeare's clever convoluted plot is reinforced with attractive and passionate characters where the dialogue is filled with wit, strong imagery and knowing observations.
Juliet Goodman's Rosalind is beautiful and shows great poise as our female heroine. She injects the play with her spirit and energy and does justice to her complex role. Chiké Okonkwo is a handsome young man; strong and enchanting in his delivery of the love-sick Orlando. Joel Fry is relatively new to the stage - a multi talented performer who excels in his roles and is clearly destined for a highly successful acting career. Tracy Bargate's Audrey, with her sheep, is another performance to look out for. The other players also show great skill and talent in their various roles.
This is a play about love and mistaken gender identity, and there are many occasions for double entendres as well as sexually coy byplay along with suggestions of homoerotic attraction. The cast clearly enjoy teasing out these tensions for the audience's amusement resulting in this highly enjoyable and well performed comic tale.
Duke Senior / Duke Frederick / Sir Oliver Martext: John Ashton
Audrey: Tracy Bargate
Oliver / Corin: Charlie Buckland
Charles / Silvius: Robert Cameron
Amiens / Hymen: Joel Fry
Rosalind: Juliette Goodman
Phebe: Polly Lister
Touchstone / Adam: Simon Markey
Orlando: Chiké Okonkwo
Jacques / Le Beau: Trevor Sellers
Celia / Page: Michelle Terry
Director: Lucy Pitman-Wallace
Designer: Jess Curtis
Lighting: Daniella Beattie
Sound: James Earl-Davies
Music Composer and Arranger: Richard Atkinson
Movement Director: Sue Nash
Fight Director: Terry King
Vocal Coach: Charmian Hoare
2005-09-14 12:00:50