Harriet Joyce on the latest performance by Theatre in the Square

Theatre in the Square’s production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It was the community theatre group’s final production of the year. Staged at St Mary’s Church in Hendon, the production, directed by Rosie Fiore-Burt was accompanied by a live jazz band, arranged by Joe Loveday, which brought a 1920s feel.

As You Like It brings classic Shakespearean themes of forbidden love and unconventional female heroism as we follow Rosalind in the Forest of Arden and her quest for love upon fleeing persecution within her uncle’s court.

Blue velvet ropes and rugs are brought onto the stage as the first act begins, while an ensemble of characters enter in flapper dresses, bowler hats and linen suits, a selection chosen by costume designer Danielle Flower.

Celia, played by Jessica Kurtis and Rosalind, played by Mia Keren Black arrive on stage in emerald and sapphire hues, lumbering crates of champagne bottles, showcasing their ranking within society.

The audience then becomes immersed within the unsteady dynamics of the aristocratic court as Danielle Flower’s choice to implement slithers of symbolic royal purple throughout Duchess Seniors’ ornate white lace attire contrasts against Duke Frederick’s dark, hard press suit. Duchess Senior, played by Mary Brown, provides a poised entrance, shortly followed by Andrew Farrer’s villainous portrayal of Duke Frederick, whose cold, stiff gait and stern face caused audience members to hiss.

At one point, the actors mime a wrestling match in slow-motion, as white strobes flash. This showcases the tense, unpredictable outcome of the match before the archetypal, noble underdog Orlando, played by Edward Smith, is announced the winner, despite the foul play which Orlando’s malevolent older brother had tried to encourage of his opponent, the court wrestler. Orlando and Rosalind instantly fall in love after the wrestling match, inevitably leading to their quest to reunite.

Whilst Rosalind, upon disguising herself as Ganymede, showcases her sharp wit and begins to function as an “engine” of the play, driving the majority of the action, Orlando functions as an everyman, undergoing lessons of love during his flight to freedom from the unjust inheritance hoarded by his tyrant older brother, Oliver. Overall, the cast provided a commendable performance, with Mia Keren Black’s exuberant turn as the romantic Rosalind finding an excellent foil in Jessica Curtis’ portrayal of her grounded, pragmatic cousin Celia.

Theatre in the Square, based in East Finchley, North London, perform at least three full productions a year. To find out more about their upcoming performances or becoming a member: https://www.theatreinthesquare.org/welcome.htm

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