#pollyfindlay

Often referred to as one of the first ever sketch-show plays, it is understandable that some directors may feel hesitant about taking on the challenge of Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy, As You Like It. However, Polly Findlay’s fearless production at the National Theatre rejuvenates the 1623 play with relevancy and sheer exhilaration. One of Shakespeare’s more bizarre works, the audience are taken on surreal ride into the Forest of Arden where the characters demonstrate the real meaning of love at first sight, in a fast-paced story of false identity.

The tone of the performance is set undoubtedly by Lizzie Clachan’s spectacular design. The opening scenes take place in a corporate robotic jungle where Post It notes are flying and everyone eats their sandwiches in perfect unison. It doesn’t entirely make sense, particularly the lucha libre-style wrestling match, but what does that matter?

Patsy Ferran (left) and Rosalie Craig (right) in As You Like It at The National Theatre, London. Photograph: Johan Persson

It provides a stark contrast to the fantastic dream world of Arden that is all of a sudden revealed, as if by magic in an epic scene change. The clinical metal office furniture is pulled upwards towards the top of the stage to form the Forest of Arden in the performance’s most stunning moment. Members of the cast sit neatly within these chair and desk “trees”, providing a continual forest soundscape with the noise of whistling winds and birds singing.

Philip Arditti as Olivier and Patsy Ferran as Celia in As You Like It at The National Theatre, London. Photograph: Johan Persson

The Forest of Arden acts as the ideal rural backdrop for its characters to experience freedom and transformation, away from the urban hustle and bustle of city life. We watch Rosalind (Rosalie Craig) disguise herself as a young man, Ganymede and her cousin Celia (Patsy Ferran) becomes a poor woman, Aliena. The chemistry between Craig and Ferran is an absolute joy to witness as Craig seamlessly commands the stage, playing both male and female roles expertly, without resorting to any hackneyed movements or tones of voice. Similarly, Ferran’s wide-eyed naivety and impeccable comic timing as Celia makes her impossible not to watch as she delicately complements Craig’s self-assurance and outspokenness as Rosalind.

Music plays an impressive part in the production as Fra Fee’s soothing voice adds a beautiful rhythm to many of the less action-packed scenes. Furthermore, the entire cast becoming sheep dressed in woolly jumpers and moseying about the stage transforms a potentially dull dialogue between shepherds. The comic physicality and sporadic baa-ing in this scene delights the audience as one sheep nonchalantly chewed its way through one of Orlando’s many declarations of love.

Rosalie Craig as Rosalind and Joe Bannister as Orlando. Photograph: Johan Persson

The whole experience is interactive and engaging and despite some stand out performances from lead roles, it really feels like an ensemble piece. Actors constantly multi-role while providing musical accompaniment, climaxing in a heart-warming group number to close the play. Polly Findlay delivers a production that feels natural and modern while still maintaining the traditional touches of a farcical pastoral comedy.

All photographs: Johan Persson

As You Like It is at the National Theatre until March 5, 2016

National Theatre, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX. Book Office: 020 7452 3000