Stage Review The RSC's AS YOU LIKE IT 2026
REVIEW
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As You Like It
by William Shakespeare
Directed by Daniel Evans
Overview
When the Dukedom of two brothers results in exile for one, rules and lines become blurred for their close-bonded daughters - Rosalind and Celia.
Another sibling rivalry exists in the form of Orlando and his older brother, Oliver. The latter denying his younger brother his entitlements after their father's death. Within the Court of Duke Frederick, Orlando decides to wrestle for his fortune. He wins the wrestling bout with Charles the Wrestler and, also, falls hook, line and sinker in love with Rosalind.
Afterwhich and no longer willing to entertain the presence of Rosalind in his Court she is banished by her uncle. Celia cannot bear to be parted from her cousin so sets out a plan that they seek out Rosalind's exiled father, Duke Senior, in the place he had found refuge - the Forest of Arden. They go forth acting as a pretend brother and sister; Rosalind disguised as a boy called Ganymede and Celia acting as a Shepherdess - choosing the name, Aliena, suitable for her predicament she thinks. Touchtone (the fool) goes along with them.
The elderly servant, Adam, is appalled by Oliver's ill treatment of Orlando and of the turncoat behaviour upon himself. He and Orlando also flee to the Forest, they find Duke Senior and another courtier, Jaques. Adam enjoys the food and comfort they provide for him.
Orlando's mind is elsewhere however, full of love for Rosalind. He channels his emotions in love notes that he leaves around the Forest. Celia and Rosalind find the notes, and so, disguised as Ganymede, Rosalind encounters Orlando with Celia (Aliena) watching; both having already read, discussed, giggled and mused over his writings. A role play game is set up between Orlando and Ganymede under the guise that Orlando can practice the correct way to go about his approach to wooing Rosalind.
There is more than a love pairing in this tale, because elsewhere in this rural setting Silvus the shepherd's love for Phoebe goes unrequited for a time and Touchstone is chasing the attention of goat herder, Audrey.
Oliver too also becomes twitterpated because he falls for Aliena in this mixed up tale of affairs of the heart. Yes, Oliver, whom first entered the Forest to hunt down Orlando with bad intention, yet had a complete change of heart on the way when Orlando saves him from a harmful, near death situation.
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The four pairs are wed in natural setting under the trees and Duke Frederick restores the dukedom to Duke Senior.
Comment
Many lines from As You Like It have always been very quotable, and, of course, this is the play containing Jaques' Seven Ages of Man monologue.
This, Shakespeare's pastoral comedy, also has more songs than any other play. The performance of the songs represent ancient England reimagined as a frolic in some haven within the valleys of Wales, especially with the songs delivered like Welsh hymns with players assembling to accompany the lead with wonderful harmonies.
There's drama too, there's fighting and family conflict, however in the final two Acts there is so many laughs and good feeling.
An all male cast, many making they're RSC debuts including Rhys Parry Jones (Corin/Hymen/[...]); Edward Judge (Charles the Wrestler/Silvus); Tim Preston (Phoebe); Gareth Snook (Adam/Audrey); Gary Wilmot (Duke Frederick/Duke Senior) and members of the Ensemble.
Also making their RSC debuts Fisayo Akinade (Celia) and award winning American actor and singer, Jonathan Groff (Rosalind) both whom are talented beyond words.
It is magnificent work by directors, cast, production management and crew in terms of making this art and entertainment all rolled into one. Go see this if you can and you will know why special thanks go to: Director, Daniel Evans; Composer, Arranger & Music Supervisor Theo Jamieson; and Set Designer Anisha Fields. Also casting director, Charlotte Sutton and US casting consultant, Jim Carnahan because the casting of this play is the real winner here!
The reviewer and the entire audience of yesterday's filmed matinee performance of As You Like It will be unanimous in saying 'we like it just like this' thank-you-very-much.
Stage Review The RSC's AS YOU LIKE IT by Theatre Critic, Debra Hall who attended the 1.30pm performance on Wednesday 14 October, 2026 at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford Upon Avon.
REFERENCES
RSC Printed Programme As You Like It 2026/2027 Season
Scull, O. As You Like it - request RSC 02 October 2026
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