As You Like It at Shakespeare’s Globe Review
Grace Oddie-James as Cecelia in As You Like It. Photo: Marc Brenner
The Globe is continuing its frolicking summer of fun by escaping to the forests of Arden in As You Like It. Co-directed by Sean Holmes and Charlie Josephine, we are swiftly catapulted into this world of romantic highs and lows and light hearted shenanigans. We meet Rosalind, daughter of the exiled Duke living at court with her cousin under the unfeeling eye of her usurper uncle. After banishment Rosalind and Cecila run away to the forests of Arden where the disgraced Duke lives and hide as shepherd Ganymede and his sister. In typical Bardic fashion ,mischief and romantic chaos then ensues to the tune of an eventual happy ending.
It is rare to find a cast that so perfectly encapsulates their characters. Lola Shalam is a revelation as Rosalind. She sparkles with wit and fierce independence and is magnificent to watch on stage. Grace Oddie Jones was witty and spectacular as Cecila with great sisterly chemistry with Shalam. As Orlando, Charlie Josephine had impressive stage presence and excellent yearning chemistry with Shalam. Jonathan Broadbent is magnificent as Tombstone and stole every scene in spectacular fashion. Kathryn Pearce was phenomenal as misanthrope Jaques and their skilful breaks in the fourth wall were fantastic to observe. Molly Madigan, Peter Burke, Jurell Carter and Phoebe Naughton were fabulous supporting actors. As a whole, the cast had fantastic chemistry and teamwork together.
The show is also more musical than previous adaptations of this play at the Globe. The show starts and ends with a dance and throughout we have fabulous songs by Hymen (Katie Richardson) which add to the frolicking summer atmosphere. These also give ample opportunity for audience sing alongs at points which the crowd commenced with great gusto. Paul Will’s set design is initially stark white and bare canvas to showcase the empty grandeur of court life. However, as we shift to the wild forests of Arden we see artists bring the blank canvas to life, drawing the literal forest as we watch. This use of live artistry in the show is refreshing and a wonderful contrast to the reliance on digital media in other shows. The 18th century French court regalia is ornate, hilarious and an excellent example of the excess of court in contrast to the simplicity of the wilder forest attire which dominates the rest of the play.
This is a fun, fierce and fabulous production which will catapult the scorching heat of summer into your Autumn cosiness. The audience absolutely roared with delight in this show, and the high spirits of the cast were equally reflected in the audience, who were laughing throughout. If you enjoy light hearted comedies, fantastic actors and a joyful night out then this is the perfect show for you.
As You Like It is at Shakespeare’s Globe until 25th October.
★ ★ ★ ★
Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic, August 2026.