Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
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If you need a detailed summary of the plot, it will perhaps be better to look online or consult the relevant page in the programme. At it's core it involves two cousins, Rosalind and Celia, who have fled from Duke Ferdinand's court into the Forest of Arden. Rosalind disguises herself as a boy - Ganymede, and Celia as 'his' sister - Aliana. When the pair find love letters addressed to Rosalind on the trunks of trees, they realise that the man whom Rosalind has fallen in love with - Orlando - is also in the Forest. 'Ganymede' (Rosalind) resolves to "counsel" Orlando and cure him of his lovesickness. After they have spent many meetings with each other, she reveals her true identity to him and they get married, along with three other couples. |
The play opens in Duke Ferdinand's Court, a bleak black and white stage surrounded by thin metal chains that box off the park's trees. At the front of the stage is a pool, filled with wrappers and coffee cups which the cast chuck in once they are finished with them. It is terribly dismal, with huge piles of trash and almost constant raining (Thank God only on stage and not everywhere else!) After the interval, once the audience is well and truly immersed in the Forest of Arden, the stage is completely transformed. Old bottles are strung up as fairy lights, old petrol tanks hold trees and tyres act as hanging baskets. An old wagon lies at the back of the stage, and the three band members sit in there, as the cast huddle around fires as it snows on stage. It is really beautiful, especially as the sun begins to set; the atmosphere created is very magical.
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Among all of the deep love connections, banishments and loyalties, there is Touchstone the fool who is played marvellously by Danny Kirrane . He speaks the Shakespeare so naturally and makes it so funny, he certainly lights up the stage every time he walks on! His female counterpart, Audrey (played by Amy Booth-Steel), is also hilarious, and the pair make a delightful couple. Another standout performance is given by Maureen Beattie as the serious Jaques. While the Forest of Arden is mostly host to light hearted scenes and young love, Jaques speaks with a learned wisdom, lamenting the death of a deer and telling Touchstone and Audrey to go to church and get wedded properly. She gives a captivating performance.
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Ultimately, the show is an easy watch which holds much of its magic in the superb set and costume designs. The music helped to transport us into the world of the play, with its love and its folly, creating a very pleasing production.