As You Like It

In leading roles, we have Grace Edwards as Rosalind (soon to be dressed in breeches as Ganymede) and Anna Sagan as Celia/Aliena. Lovely camaraderie and a wonderful example of a believable best-friendship between two very different girls, although conversations between the two were very fast, and while I didn’t miss anything, it was clear that many audience members struggled with the speed of delivery.

Newcomer to Perth Jack Boggan made a very impressive WA debut, working beautifully opposite Grace Edwards as love interest Orlando. Lovely expression and characterisation. His brother Oliver, eventually suitor for Celia, was well played by Jason Dole.

Nice work from the other romantic couples Codey Finlay in her first Shakespearean role, was impressive as Audrey opposite Nicolas Cadmus doing his best with Touchstone, a challenging role. Noël Florence was a gorgeously earnest Silvius opposite Sacha Emeljanow’s sweet and flirty Phoebe.

Andrew O’Connell had lovely gravitas as banished Duke Senior, while Jeff Watkins’ Jacques both in costume and delivery reminded me very much of David Bowie’s Goblin King. Grant Malcolm was, as always, a delight, in the small roles of Adam and Hymen. It’s impossible to mention everyone in such a large cast, all of whom were focused and dedicated.

Costumes from Merri Ford were eclectic. Music, under the musical direction of Anja Sagan, added a traditional and interesting touch, with some fine instrumental and vocal work (if sometimes a little difficult to hear). Fiona Red’s lighting served the production well - as did the simple set dressing of banners (although it was difficult at times to recognise the presumably very expensive tree banners as trees. Fight choreography, by Natassja Norwood, was strong - including an impressive wrestling match between Orlando and Charles (Ellis Kinnear).

Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing, and a running time of over three hours, on plastic chairs, on a hot evening, was a push for many audience members, with a notable exodus at interval being one sign of this. As You Like It has been a popular choice in recent years, and while I enjoyed seeing scenes I have rarely viewed, the night ran a little long.

A must see for Shakespeare fans, this is a pleasant night outdoors.

Kimberley Shaw