Monday, November 25

Tag: Shaban Dar

As You Like It – Liverpool Playhouse
North West

As You Like It – Liverpool Playhouse

In their 30th anniversary production, Northern Broadsides, under the direction of Laurie Sansom, bring a bold approach to Shakespeare’s most musical and much-loved comedy. Unfortunately, we are met more with a misguided fantasy than a great production. In a stylish but stifling court, where the Duke (Tom Shaw) is all powerful and brute strength is championed over basic human decency, the high-spirited Rosalind (Em Williams) and devoted cousin Celia (Isobel Coward) are no longer welcome. When they escape into the forest in disguise, accompanied by Touchstone (Joe Morrow), they bump into the recent object of Rosalind’s affection, Orlando (Shaban Dar), who has fallen foul of Oliver (Aron Julius) but is supported by Adam (Claire Hackett), leading to an elaborate game of fluid identity wh...
As You Like It – Wilton’s Music Hall
London

As You Like It – Wilton’s Music Hall

As You Like It, thought to have been written in 1599, was historically never one of Shakespeare's most popular pieces, his tortured kings and princes apparently preferred by audiences and critics over his frolicksome pastorals.  It has come to the fore in more recent years with multiple adaptations on stage, screen and even radio.  Northern Broadsides' production focuses on the power of love coupled with the force of nature to change the world.  So "All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players".  Duke Frederick has exiled his older brother, Duke Senior, to usurp his duchy. Duke Senior's daughter, Rosalind, was permitted to remain in court but is then likewise exiled for reasons which are never entirely clear. She leaves with her cousin, Celia, and they disguise thems...