As You Like It

Last week myself and Jennifer were cultured little chickens and pootled on down to Stratford-upon-Avon for a spot of theatre.

There was a time, a few years ago, when I was never not in Stratford. Whether I was watching or performing a play it seemed like I was constantly there. Unfortunately, in the wake of A levels and Uni this got rather abandoned and I have missed it so much!

So, donning my best serious literature student head we booked tickets to see one of my favourite Shakespeare plays 'As You Like It' (not very serious at all then).

The day we chose was glorious but I didn't feel at all sad leaving the sunshine behind to enter the dark confines of the theatre. 'As You Like It' is renowned for being a celebration of summer, as the characters escape the confines of a tyrannical court to escape to the freedom of the forest of Arden. With the promise of a festival summer inspired production we entered the RST with a spring in our step and Maria Abergs retelling did not disappoint.

I cannot praise the set designers at the RSC enough, I have been known to go to the RSC several days on the trot and you would never know that you were in the same room, so incredible are the transformations for each play. I had seen a production of 'As You Like It' in the courtyard theatre and been astounded by the clever use of set and didn't think that anything else could compare. How wrong could I be? I don't want to spoil it for anyone but the final scene was just utter visual bliss for me! Bunting, ribbons, fairy lights and Oliver and Celia's wedding outfits are exactly what I want my future husband and I to wear at our wedding!  Basically all of my favourite things combined to make the most gorgeous setting for what was the most uplifting set piece of theatre I have ever seen. So infectious was the Laura Marling composed score and the sheer joy portrayed by the fabulous cast that I just wanted to jump down there and join in.

Pippa Nixon received a well deserved round of tumultuous applause for her portrayal of Rosalind. Perfect from start to finish she captures the energy of Shakespeare's heroin like no other actress I have ever seen (unfortunately including myself!).

We left the theatre with sheer joy in our hearts and the biggest grins on our faces. Emerging out in to a sun soaked Stratford helped a little too! So with summer firmly planted in our minds we headed to The Encore for a jug of Pimm's overlooking the river. A rather perfect end to a perfect day. 

If you fancy getting all Shakespearean too, you can get tickets for As You Like It here.