Theatre Royal Bath's summer season ignites with a breathtakingly fresh and vital production of Shakespeare's pastoral comedy, As You Like It. This is not a stuffy, traditionalist take but a vibrant, emotionally resonant reimagining that speaks directly to a contemporary audience.
At the heart of this triumph is a career-defining performance from Tamara Lawrance as Rosalind. Her portrayal is a masterclass in complexity, effortlessly pivoting between the giddy, lovestruck noblewoman and the witty, swaggering alter-ego Ganymede. Lawrance finds both the profound humour and the deep, melancholic soul of one of Shakespeare's greatest heroines.
A Forest That Feels Alive
Director Simon Godwin, alongside designer Ultz, conjures a world of stark contrasts. The oppressive, cold court of Duke Frederick is replaced by the transformative Forest of Arden, rendered not as a literal woodland but as an abstract, immersive space. The creative use of soundscape and minimalist design allows the language and the actors to take centre stage, making the forest feel like a state of mind—a place of liberation, self-discovery, and raw humanity.
A Stellar Ensemble Cast
The production is bolstered by an impeccable supporting cast. Alfred Enoch delivers a suitably brooding and charismatic Orlando, his chemistry with Lawrance's Rosalind crackling with authenticity. The iconic melancholic Jacques, portrayed with world-weary gravitas, delivers the famed "All the world's a stage" speech not as a set-piece, but as a deeply moving, existential sigh that lands with palpable weight.
The rustic comedy provided by the Arden inhabitants is hilariously pitched, providing perfect light relief without descending into farce. The live musical interludes, featuring folk-inspired renditions of the play's songs, are seamlessly woven into the narrative, enhancing the magical, otherworldly atmosphere.
Final Verdict: Unmissable Theatre
This As You Like It is a definitive production for a modern age. It balances intellectual clarity with sheer, joyous entertainment. By stripping away convention and focusing on the text's timeless themes of love, identity, and freedom, Theatre Royal Bath has crafted a must-see event that reminds us why this 400-year-old play continues to captivate. It is a glorious, life-affirming celebration that will linger long after the final curtain call.
