Review of ‘As You Like It’ (East London Shakespeare Festival): “Simplified outdoor revival makes an impression on audiences forever and a day”

The Bard’s popular comedy relives across London’s green spaces in a new interactive production running until the end of August. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show — to let us know if this version, suitable for kids and Duke Seniors, comes off as too phoe-ble.

All the world’s a stage. And surely the East London Shakespeare Festival has taken the Bard’s words literally. Returning to the scene for another summer season, the itinerary company is back on some grassy (and occasionally muddled) decks all across town, this time bringing one of the Stratford genius’s most popular comedies.

Anyone used to this classical offer should also be aware of the risks that entail coming to see any new production — particularly, if it’s a comedy. There are always ways to ruin a masterpiece (not that this one is Shakespeare’s most accomplished effort), and people’s striking creativity in that department probably deserves its award category — and most certainly, a b*tch slap.

This production of As You Like It is not exempt from changes. If you’re expecting long, widening crinolines and ostentatious frills, you’re on the wrong boat. Instead, Shakespeare’s narrative seems to have been taken by the Gods of Dynasty — with a modern, Tinseltown-glamour first look where the delightfully venomous ghost of Alexis Colby could make a guest appearance at any minute, colliding with the let-the-sunshine-in style the staging goes for as we step into the Forest of Arden.

It works exceptionally well. Its modern approach encapsulates the spirit of the play with remarkable effectiveness. It resonates with a contemporary viewer from the start, luring them into its universe by offering them one they can identify with. From there on, Shakespeare’s lines (with some extra hysterical additions) do the rest, and the result is nothing short of extraordinary.

A cast of 8 actors gives life to the entire character roster, most of whom prove a more than decent register when jumping from one role to another. It’s a working formula, but not necessarily error-free. And in this case, some small cracks are noticeable. Although their renditions are highly entertaining, following Shakespeare’s entangled narrative can be an arduous task, especially when so few thespians portray so many personages at once. On the whole, we can grasp all that’s happening, but their interpretative versatility can be confusing at some points.

Packed with interactive moments, the entire experience stands as a fine example of what theatre can achieve with the bare minimum. There are no sets apart from some cleverly implemented props — once again, displaying an instinct and an understanding of the media’s language. Yet, the performance never comes across as deficient — continuously flaunting strength and imagination throughout, and consequently making a perfect blend of amusement and artistic quality.

An overall successful attempt at reviving Shakespeare’s comedy through an endearing, family-friendly delivery, ELSF’s latest production of As You Like It electrifies guests with its uproarious, tongue-in-cheek execution — camp but honed and layered, and in the end, extremely proficient. Brilliantly adapted for today’s audiences with the inclusion of musical numbers, physical humour, and the most hilarious improvisational bits, the only thing preventing its faultlessness is seeing its troupe as a jaques of all trades. Yet, on many levels, it’s already found its touchstone.

As You Like It plays at selected venues across London until 28 August. Tickets and locations are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara