As You Like It - Stratford Upon Avon Tickets

Under the canopy of trees deep in the Forest of Arden, two characters engage in a range of absurd situations in what is regarded as one of Shakespeare’s most subversive plays. With confusion between the genders and mistaken identity playing a big role in the proceedings it is easy to see why it is often held out as an example of his work that turns the rules upside down.

Whilst “As You Like It” contains elements that are familiar for fans of Shakespeare, such as the theme of a secret, forbidden love, it also has unexpected turns. It concerns the characters of Orlando and Rosalind (played this time by Jonjo O’Neill and Katy Stephens respectively – two familiar faces for the RSC), who have embarked on a secret romance. However, they know that they must hide this from the watchful eyes of the court and so they flee to the Forest of Arden, where they feel their romance can truly flourish. But the forest has its own tricks up its sleeve and they soon realise that nothing is as it seems, with gender roles confused and mistaken identity shaking things up. Eventually, a surprising discovery from Rosalind’s past shakes things up even more.

Jonjo O’Neill and Katy Stephens are both used to performing as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company, with O’Neill appearing with the company in 2005 as part of its “Gunpowder” season (in the likes of “Believe What You Will” and “Sejanus: His Fall”). Meanwhile, Stephens has appeared in numerous productions including “Richard II”, “Richard III”, and “Henry VI Parts I, II and III”. She has also been seen in the likes of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Orchard Theatre and “Tamburlaine” at the Barbican Theatre, as well as numerous shows up and down the country. She might also be recognised for her screen work that includes “The Bill”, “London’s Burning” and the film “Relative Values”.

RSC Artistic Director Michael Boyd will helm the project following his years of his experience with the company in the likes of “Antony and Cleopatra” (2010), and previous credits like “Henry IV Parts I and II”. He has also been the recipient of Laurence Olivier Awards, for “Richard III” and “This England: Histories Cycle”.

“As You Like It” makes its appearance at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from Wednesday 21st July 2010 until Saturday 4th September 2010.