William Shakespeare: As You Like It

Product Description ------------------- Thea Sharrock's irresistible new production of Shakespeare's popular romantic comedy stirs wit, sentiment, intrigue and love into a charming confection which challenges the traditional rules of romance. At its heart, a feisty but feminine Rosalind (Naomi Frederick), in love with the endearingly naïve Orlando (Jack Laskey), uses her disguise as Ganymede to counsel him playfully in the art of wooing. Distraction is provided by Dominic Rowan, a remarkably funny Touchstone, and Tim McMullan, whose sonorous tones are perfectly suited to the lugubrious wit of Jaques. Filmed in High Definition and true surround sound. Extra features: Cast gallery and Famous Speeches Press Reviews "Naomi Frederick's superb Rosalind is a woman of wit and intelligence...Laskey's Orlando is equally bewitched, bothered and bewildered, and the playfulness between the two is a pleasure." (The Guardian) Cast Naomi Frederick (Rosalind) Jack Laskey (Orlando) Dominic Rowan (Touchstone) Tim McMullan (Jaques) Laura Rogers (Celia) Jamie Parker (Oliver) Ewart James Walters (Hymen) Jade Williams (Phebe) Production Company: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Stage Director: Thea Sharrock Television Director: Kriss Russman Choreographer: Fin Walker Disc Information Catalogue Number: OA1032D Date of Performance: 2009 Running Time: 147 minutes Sound: 2.0 PCM & 5.1 DTS Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Anamorphic Subtitles: EN (in Shakespearean English) Label: Opus Arte Review ------ All the world is indeed a stage in this ebullient production of the play which contains those famous lines. It was filmed during performances at Shakespeare's Globe theatre, the reproduction of the original Globe in London. Using not only the stage, but also the audience and its space, this production of one of Shakespeare's finest comedies goes beyond the normal boundaries that separate actors and spectators to provide an innovative version. There are no slow moments here, as a fine team of actors brings the forest of Arden to the bare stage of the Globe. As You Like It is one of Shakespeare's "women in drag" plays, where a woman (originally played by a male actor in Shakespeare's time) pretends to be a man, then "comes out" at the end of the play. A simple love story which multiplies to, in the end, involve four couples, there is much splendid wordplay, and humorous situations abound. In some ways, one must consider this to be a "historically informed performance". With the limits of the replica of the original Globe Theatre, it's all up to the actors to create the sets and ambience of the different locations. And this group of talented actors acquits itself well. With fine performers in the lead roles, and an excellent ensemble for the smaller roles, the play is brought to life with verve and wit. The comedic aspect is played up, leading it to border on the slapstick, unlike many other staid versions. It works well, giving the play a rhythm that, after the first few scenes, never lets up. Jack Laskey's Orlando shines, with his leading-man looks, and his restrained yet effective portrayal of the love- youth. The object of his affection, Rosalind, is played by Naomi Frederick, who overdoes it a bit, and whose face tends to scowl whether she tries to show anger or happiness. But they work well together, and Frederick is a convincing young man - as her character plays for much of the performance. Dominic Rowan is a wonderful Touchstone, with some anachronistic bits thrown in to keep his character on the edge, and Tim McMullan's melancholic Jaques is near perfect. Aside from the wonderful location and the use of audience space for many of the scenes, this DVD benefits from excellent camera work and direction. There are quite a few cameras, and one never tires with long s from a single point. The editing is brisk but not overdone, and after a few minutes, one feels immersed in the intimacy of the theatre. I'm looking forward to seeing other plays recorded in this theatre. The quality of the performance combined with the excellent camera work and editing make this a must-have for any fan of Shakespeare. And seeing the play performed in a theatre so close to Shakespeare's own makes it all the more interesting. -- MusicWeb International, Kirk McElhearn

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