As You Like It

Roleystone Theatre’s annual Shakespeare in the Park has become an entrenched tradition within a few short years. Once again directed by Paul Treasure, As You Like It plays in Araluen’s gorgeous amphitheatre, using both the stage and what would be considered the “audience area” to create a truly immersive experience.

Opening day was a bit of a scorcher, so Roleystone Theatre were kind enough to supply a free soft drink to attendees. While certainly not a capacity crowd (probably due to the weather and nearby bushfires limiting access from some suburbs), this was an audience that varied widely in age and included many families with toddlers and pre-schoolers, happy to watch the show (and scene-stealing ducks) in a relaxed atmosphere while picnicking.

A large cast that included many Shakespeare veterans and a smattering of newcomers worked well as an ensemble, creating a united feel. Head microphones - introduced last year, once again helped the audience to hear easily over the ambient park noise, although it should be noted that the talented Zac Skelton - who played Amiens and somewhat of a balladeer, was perfectly audible despite his mic failing. Original music - cleverly composed by Fred Johnston-Horstman - added a touch of whimsy to this incarnation and an audience sing-along is tremendous fun.

Anchoring the show is the beautiful Arianne Westcott-King as Rosalind - a central performance that wins hearts as Rosalind disguises herself (in high-vis and beard) as Ganymede. Her love interest is once again the dashing Felix Malcolm (the two played opposite each other in Once Upon a Mattress to great success earlier this year), with Felix bringing charm to the lovelorn Orlando de Boys.

Abby Jennings is sweet as Rosalind’s bosom friend Celia, with Evan Bialis strong as her sweetheart Oliver. Callum Presbury was hilarious as shepherd Silvius, devotedly pursuing the misguided Phoebe (lovely work from Kerri-Anne Mulley). The last of the four couples were Lily-Anne Burns and Carter Kranz-Little showing strong comic skills as gender flipped Touchstone and Audrey.

Peter (Pear) Carr was excellent as both villain and hero playing both brothers Duke Frederick and Duke Senior, while Kate O’Sullivan as Jaques was delightfully cynical and a clear audience favourite,

Lots of great work in smaller roles brought colour and fun to this pastoral comedy.

Great to see this tradition continuing - and bringing new audiences to theatre. A solid production that was a pleasure to watch.

Kimberley Shaw