Reviewer: Megan Hyland
Upstaged Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Northern Broadsides’ As You Like It is everything that a Shakespeare adaptation in 2022 should be – hilarious, sincere, inclusive, and beautifully Northern. Director Laurie Sansom has created an electric, powerful ode to the bard by adapting his classic comedy for a modern audience; taking the way in which Shakespeare played with gender and examining it under a contemporary lens.
Everything that a Shakespeare adaptation in 2022 should be – hilarious, sincere, inclusive, and beautifully Northern.
And nowhere is this more evident than in the character of Rosalind. As Rosalind, EM Williams is the perfect fit – they effortlessly switch from profound musings to hysterical ramblings as easily as they flow between feminine and masculine. Their delivery is as compelling as it is captivating, and they command the stage with their raw emotion and the way in which they fully embody Rosalind’s character.
In fact, the whole cast embody their characters in such a way that allows all audiences to see themselves within Shakespeare – a subsection of theatre that is so often closed and rendered inaccessible to those outside of the London theatre school elite. And it is not only Northerners that will see themselves represented by this adaptation – but disabled audiences, people of colour, and LGBTQ+ audiences as well. Everyone’s home is in the theatre, and As You Like It is a welcome, refreshing reminder that Shakespeare is to be enjoyed by everyone.
The way in which the adaptation plays with the concept of gender is extremely clever and unique, taking a Shakespeare staple of gender-bending and considering what this looks like in the modern world. Shakespeare was no stranger to disguising his female characters as men to give them more agency within his narratives and explore their roles within his society, yet Northern Broadsides take this a step further by abandoning gender roles altogether both in costume and casting choices. A particular favourite of mine was the attention to detail such as the transgender flag represented in ribbons towards the end.
As You Like It is a welcome, refreshing reminder that Shakespeare is to be enjoyed by everyone.
Designer EM Parry has truly outdone themselves with the costumes, creating extravagant, elegant costumes that bring Shakespeare hurtling into the 21st Century. Whether it’s elaborate, corseted dresses in Renaissance style, Touchtone decked out in Wrestlemania drag, or outrageously hilarious goat outfits, Parry’s distinct, fantastic style shines through and chimes effortlessly with the striking lighting design of Kieron Johnson. All of this, coupled with the incredible talent of the cast and James Earls-Davies’ sound design works together seamlessly to bring the forest clearing to the stage without having to rely on props or backdrops. And this is a true testament to the talent of the whole company.
As Touchstone, cabaret performer Joe Marrow (a.k.a. Joe Morose) is rejuvenating, delivering Shakespeare’s classic jibes with a modern-day edge of camp humour and clever ad-libs. But perhaps what I enjoyed most about the inclusion of such a flamboyant and effeminate Touchstone is that his role within the play was not changed or marked by this – nor was his relationship with Audrey, driving home the overall message of this adaptation that love knows no gender.
Other notable performances came from Ali Gadema as both Duke Frederick and Duke Senior; and Bailey Brook as Charles and Silvius. As the opposing brothers, Ali Gadema brings a distinctive performance to each – powerful and commanding as Duke Frederick, yet charming and empathetic as Duke Senior, drawing the perfect comparison between the two. The way in which he is able to switch between them so quickly and flawlessly is truly commendable, particularly considering the power that he gives to Duke Frederick.
Similarly, as Charles and Silvius, Bailey Brook is outstanding. His delivery epitomises everything that Shakespeare can and should be – emotional and sincere, yet also witty and clever. His comedic timing is effortless, and the way in which he incorporates movement into his roles exemplifies the depth of his performance and the way in which he fully inhabits both characters. His monologue as Silvius is arguably one of the most significant, as it encompasses the overall message of the play itself – what it is to be in love – and Brook delivers this with masterful emotion and integrity.
You might think there is little more to do with a 400-year-old play that hasn’t already been done, but Northern Broadsides have proven that wrong tenfold. This is Shakespeare as you’ve never seen it before – but as I hope, you’ll see it again: bold, cleverly creative, heartfelt, and above all – for everyone.
-Megan Hyland
As You Like It runs at The Lowry until Saturday 12 March 2022.