As You Like It

As You Like It directed by Michael Boyd.

'Michael Boyd's actors go for the heart of this serious, beautiful comedy' - Sunday Times

When two young people fall in love they are unable to act on their impulse. Uncertain of their standing in court and fearing for their lives, Rosalind and Orlando are forced into exile in the Forest of Arden only to become entangled in a beguiling game of love, lust and mistaken identity.

One of Shakespeare's great comedies, As You Like It subverts the traditional rules of romance, confusing gender roles, nature and politics in a play that reflects on how bewildering yet utterly pleasurable life can be.

The role of Rosalind will be played by Katy Stephens, who recently won the What's On Stage Theatregoers' Choice Best Actress Award for her performances as Joan of Arc and Margaret of Anjou as part of the Histories Ensemble.

Jonjo O'Neill also returns to the Company to play Orlando following his roles in the acclaimed 2005 Gunpowder Season. Joining them to play Celia is Mariah Gale, who recently took the roles of Ophelia in Hamlet and the Princess of France in Love's Labour's Lost as part of the Summer 2008 season.

RSC Artistic Director Michael Boyd directs the new RSC Ensemble in As You Like It following the critically acclaimed 2006 - 2008 Histories Cycle.

As You Like It plays in repertoire at The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon from 21 July - 4 September 2010.

Running time
The running time for As You Like It is 3 hours and 5 minutes including an interval of 20 minutes.

Access performances
Assisted performances on 5 August, 11 August.  

Additional information
One of the productions from year one of the Ensemble returning for a limited number of performances.