Review: AS YOU LIKE IT, OVO Theatre

Photo credit: Hannah Couzens

The Roman outdoor theatre in St Albans, OVO, is the perfect setting for Shakespeare. OVO is well known for taking much-loved pieces and giving them an inventive twist. This version of As You Like It is a joyful one, set in the swinging sixties. Two cousins flee their home and escape to the forest, where they hide their true identities, as numerous love stories unfold. 

The 1960s vibes and music lend themselves perfectly to this play, and the chosen songs are woven seamlessly into the fabric of the script, adding another layer to the story. Hits such as ‘Daydream Believer’, ‘God Only Knows’ and ‘These Boots are Made for Walkin’’ bring the narrative to life and the setting never feels forced or tacky.

Remaining largely faithful to the original script, the cast do a fantastic job of delivering the Shakespearean language. The sixties backdrop makes the play more accessible to modern audiences and the forest represented as a hippie hangout is really well executed. The staging is effective, starting out with a monochrome backdrop, and changing to a kaleidoscope of colour once the action moves to the forest, complete with a hippie van.

The dynamic between Rosalind (Jessica Vickers) and Celia (Hannah Brownlie) is really fun. They bounce off one another and have a warm rapport. Nathan French is strong as love-struck Orlando, bringing great energy to the role, and Charlotte Ware shines in her wide array of roles, alongside the whole ensemble cast, who are outstanding.

As with all OVO performances, the band are integral to the action and many of the cast play an instrument. This draws the audience in as it provides a more relaxed party environment, and the play ends on an invitation to join the cast on stage for a boogie.

All of this means that instead of being a traditional Shakespearean experience, the play feels fresh. It’s hard to believe that it was written so long ago. As You Like It is funny and this cast all have fantastic comic timing and physicality, making for a really engaging performance. 

OVO has struck a great balance between tradition and innovation. Packed with humour and heart, OVO demonstrates that the Bard can feel vibrant and contemporary.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Cara Brazier

As You Like It plays at OVO Theatre in St Albans until 22 August, with further info here.