FOLLOWING the huge success of Two Gentlemen of Verona last year, the internationally renowned Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory return to the Stephen Joseph Theatre with one of theatre’s most celebrated comedies.
Following its home run in Bristol, As You Like It begins its national tour at the SJT, Scarborough from May 6 to 10.
Expelled from the city, Rosalind and Orlando – the one fleeing a tyrannous uncle, the other a murderous brother – rediscover each other in the Forest of Arden. But what awaits them in that Arcadian wilderness? Will they find true love, or just lose themselves? Are they merely players in a pastoral fantasy, or do they have a real and rare opportunity – to explore the reality of their feelings free from all the normal constrictions of courtly convention and parental oversight?
Both funny and moving, and enjoying some of his finest lyrics and most flamboyant characters, this is Shakespeare’s greatest exploration of the meaning of love, its madness and transcendence.
Director Andrew Hilton said: “A comedy-romance with a subtle seriousness at its heart, the play boasts in Rosalind one of the greatest of all female roles, a large clutch of Shakespeare's most memorable characters, and several of his most famous songs, newly set for this production with live instruments.
"We are delighted to be revisiting Scarborough, Cheltenham, Exeter and Winchester - where we were so warmly received last year - and adding to them our first visits to Salisbury and Truro.”
In its 15th year, the company has an established reputation for some of the most vivid and compelling stagings of Shakespeare in the country. This new critically acclaimed production features live music including accordion, flute, guitar, banjolele and violin.
As You Like It is at the Stephen Joseph Theatre from Tuesday , May 6 to Saturday, May 10 at 7.30pm with matinees on Thursday , May 8 at 1.30pm and Saturday, May 10 at 2.30pm.
Tickets, priced from £10 to £24.50, are available online at www.sjt.uk.com and from the box office on 01723 370541.
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