As You Like It
by William Shakespeare

Reviewed by Peter Steptoe for The Croydon Advertiser

Critics are divided as to the greatness of this Shakespeare play and I think it is one of his lesser works; nevertheless it is one that is often performed.

The setting in the spacious grounds of the Coulsdon Manor Hotel was ideal as the mythical Forest of Arden. Congratulations to the two Directors Anya Destiney and Richard Lloyd on the movement and understanding by the large cast of the language of Shakespeare.

Much of the plot is nonsense but this did not lessen our enjoyment. Joe Wilson as lovesick Orlando was tall and excellent at portraying his affection for the attractive Rosalind, and Becka Blanchard made the most of Shakespeare’s great feminine creation. Her cousin was Celia played by Indianna Scorziello with an over the top performance that brought a comic touch to the play.

The main thrust of the plot was that wicked Duke Frederick (Bruce Montgomery) had banished his brother the good Duke Senior (Paul M Ford) together with the latter’s daughter Rosalind who was accompanied by his own daughter Celia. Also thrown out was Orlando whose evil Brother Oliver (Sean Young) was sent to find him and so it went on. The sub plots abounded with extraordinary tales of country folk such as a blubbing love sick Silvius (Connor Nestor) and the object of his desire feisty Phoebe (Heidi Bush).

Touchstone the Clown (John East) made comic use of a horn, Tim Young as Corin smoked his pipe furiously and Jaques (Luke Argles) gave us a graceful ‘All the world’s a stage’ monologue

The musicians and the singers were excellent and as such this made for an amusing musical comedy.