As you like it - Shakespeare in the Park

Rosalind’s (Tamara Cook) father is banished by her cruel uncle (George Shevtsov). Having no-one else in the world, she goes to stay with her cousin Celia (Emily Brennan). Whilst out one day, Rosalind spots Orlando (Brendan Hanson) and falls instantly in love, and he with her. Although desperate for his hand in marriage, she sets up various tests including a hilarious wrestling match with a horrible mauler (Luke Hewitt). Then disguised as a young man she goes on to show Orlando how he should woo his love.

There are three or four other fabulous love affairs, but how many will actually seal the deal?

This is one of Shakespeare’s lesser performed plays, possibly because the storyline is simple and the text a little tortuous, but here under the direction of Angela Chaplin and her assistant Lawrie Cullen-Tait, the show comes alive and sparkles from beginning to end.

This excellent adaptation is set in the flower-power era of the late 1960s, with a vibrant psychedelic set (Andrew Portwine) and glorious PVC, technicoloured costumes (Isaac Lummis) mingled with carefully chosen and edited music of the era. The audience – unprompted - joined in singing along, a true sign that everyone was genuinely enjoying themselves. Simon and Garfunkel will never be the same again!

With the almost pantomime delivery, the Bard Buffs may cringe a little at the style, but it was meant to be a fun play and this certainly was. All of the cast were well above average, with every ounce of humour being squeezed out of every situation. Great comedic delivery. Fast paced and with plenty of movement.

The stage is beautifully situated under a long curved bough which frames the whole scene wonderfully.

I am so pleased to see the general manager, David Gerrand, leave for his new post in Melbourne on such a high as this. All the best to David and Angela.

A sensational show from a very professional team.