I went to As You Like It last week and have to say, I came away disappointed. That's not to say that this play has not got some talented individuals in it - Alice Fearn and Robert Crowter-Jones are decent performers. For me the show lacked drive, focus and an ability to bring the themes of this piece out. I should not criticise too heavily: I am not a professional and feel that I have no right to review as though I am, or as though those I am reviewing were professional. However, this was a little short of what it could have been.
I have to say that I was impressed last night with As You Like It. I didn't know any of the actors involved but thought they made a creditable job of quite a difficult play. It is a completely different take on the play from productions I have seen elsewhere - much more sombre, maybe even cynical. But it works.
Lakshmi Krishnan gives a great performance as Rosalind. She commands the stage and is a delight in all her scenes. She is well matched by her Orlando, Will Spray, who is transformed from an angry, arrogant young man into someone more open to the realities of the world. Another highlight is the pairing of Phoebe (Alice Fearn) and Silvius (Robert Crowter-Jones). Their dysfunctional relationship is played out with verve and comedic skill. The rest of the cast flesh out their roles and create genuine characters - something rare in amateur theatre.
Overall, this is an interesting production with some great performances. I am glad I went.