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There is no better way to see Shakespeare than at the National on the Olivier stage. As You Like It is a prime example of this. Prolly Findlay has created a truly definitive production of this play that truly sets the standard for modern adaptations of Shakespeare. The duke's court is some sort of environmental office which is brightly coloured and busy. Here, Orlando is a cleaner who beats the wrestler in a wrestling match held inside the office. The change from office to Arden is one of the most extraordinary things you will ever see in a theatre. Calling it awe-inspiring sells it short. Lizzie Clachan shows off the amazing abilities of the Olivier whilst also not stealing the limelight from Shakespeare's text. Orlando Gough's music is disjointed yet oddly catchy, adding to the atmosphere which the company helps by creating woodland noises and becoming sheep in one quirky sketch. Performances all round are as good as you get. Rosalie Craig makes the transition from musicals to straight theatre magnificently, maintaining her unique charisma in an utterly magnetic, compelling and strong performance as Rosalind whilst Patsy Ferran is as delightful as always in the part of Celia. Joe Bannister makes the most of an unforgiving and blandly written Orlando, injecting life into the part. Mark Benton is a jaunty Touchstone whilst Paul Chahidi brings his brilliant comic timing to the part of Jaques, whilst at the same time making the part oddly moving. This is a far more thought through and entertaining production of Shakespeare's comedy than the rather lame Globe production earlier this year, and is sure to last long in the mind.
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The Merchant of Venice brilliantly dealt with the issue of anti semitism within the play, depicting an anti Semitic world rather than being an anti semitic play. This is not true with As You Like It when dealing with the huge problem of sexism. I felt truly uncomfortable as Blanche McIntyres production milks every sexist joke dry with the audience not seeming to realise the content of the joke. At times, this production feels really nasty which is a shame. Not that I think this is a deliberate decision from McIntyre but I feel it is careless for no one to identify this. As well as this, the staging is at best uninspired and, whilst I don't expect lavish scenery, I would quite like to see some attempt to give this production an identity which is lost by a lack of set, meaning that it will just merge into another 'Globe show'. Performances also are quite bland and run of the mill. This means that when Michelle Terry enters, she lights the stage with her clever and funny interpretation of Rosalind. The other actor who is also the exception is James Garnon who is just a joy to watch in his debonair and mocking Jaques. Performances from Daniel Crossley and Gwyneth Keyworth are also rather good but the rest of the cast are rather dull to watch. I'm sure none of them are bad actors, however, they are outshone by Terry and Garnon who redeem an otherwise less than impressive production.
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