The Stage:
"The revamped, resurgent Ludlow Arts Festival’s invitation to Stafford’s Gateway Theatre to restore open-air Shakespeare to the castle is, on the evidence of this season’s As You Like It, an inspired move.
Accessibility and enjoyment have long been the watchwords of Stafford Festival Shakespeare, to which any member of the first night audience might add vibrancy, commitment, clarity and coherence. The 1960s Woodstock flower power setting turns Arden into a countercultural world of rebellion against the austere, repressive authoritarianism of Duke Frederick’s court. Hip songs from the 1960s, Dylan et al, superbly harmonised and choreographed, have an enraptured audience foot-tapping down Nostalgia Boulevard.
Any As You Like It stands or falls on the quality of its Rosalind. Georgina White gives us an irresistibly nuanced performance - volatile, vulnerable and crackling with emotional and theatrical intelligence. Tom Radford’s compelling Orlando is her ideal foil in the play’s exploration of gender, politics and paradox. Jennifer Greenwood’s Celia deserves the status of definitive interpretation in its warmth, spirit, insight and sharpness of delivery - nothing here of the all too common simpering, watercolour confidante.
John Challis’s brooding, sardonic Jacques redeems the role from tired cliche, reminding cast and audience that the 1960s spirit is doomed to disappointment. I have seldom seen a more persuasive and amusing Seven Ages, suggesting perceptively that this fool is playing almost consciously a self-appointed role. Eric Potts’ Touchstone is a masterclass in comic business and audience seduction, an earthy counterblast to the cerebral misanthropy of Jacques. A very fine production, whose conception is matched by its realisation"
As You Like It returns to Stafford Castle on Sunday 29th June until Saturday 12th July.
No comments:
Post a Comment