Given that it was written at the e
nd of the sixteenth century and fits into the generic pattern of Renaissance comedy, plaudits must be given to those that still manage to bring something new to the theatre with As You Like It.
Set amid the forest of Arden, the plot revolves around the love story between the banished Rosalind and the smitten Orlando, separated only by Rosalind’s forced exile as Ganymede.
Watching from the upper tier of the Royal Exchange, the theatre gives itself to the context of Shakespearean drama. However, beyond the script there is little Shakespearean about Greg Hersov’s interpretation.
As with many attempts to bring Shakespeare to a contemporary audience the success of the play lies in how the creative team balances the script with the scenery modern theatres almost demand.
Hersov’s team has clearly put a great deal of thought towards developing something entirely unique, from the playboy court to the contortion of speakers that represents Hymen, the god of marriage.
The intrigue of As You Like It hinges on the development of Rosalind as both male and female and Cush Jumbo flips between the two seamlessly, creating a bewitching Rosalind and a more daring Ganymede. Yet, despite the vicious laughter sparked by Jumbo, some might find the decision to urbanise Ganymede a little awkward.
Ashley Martin-Davis’ creation of the Forest of Arden through descending speakers is artistic but the accompanying lighting never really creates the depths of the setting.
This however is not to detract from the enjoyable performances Ben Batt (Orlando), Ian Bartholomew as the delightful Touchstone and James Clyde’s Ron Wood-esque portrayal of the melancholy Jacques. Accompanied by James Dey’s entirely original soundtrack, As You Like It merits its long run beneath the pillars of Manchester’s old cotton exchange.
With student tickets on a Tuesday just £4, the 40 minute train journey across the Pennines is well worth it to see a great cast in one of the North’s must-see theatres.
As You Like It runs at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre until the 6th August.