In Northern Broadsides’ 30th anniversary year, the company are returning to their roots, disrupting traditional expectations of Shakespeare by performing it in a variety of Northern accents. The diversity of the cast, not just visually, but also in the background and experience of the performers, adds to the richness and interest of the production. This is epitomised in the casting of a non-binary actor as Rosalind – EM Williams convinces as both the heroine and her disguise, Ganymede, exuding energy and strength of purpose.

The plot of As You Like It reads like a hybrid of several of Shakespeare’s other works. It has A Midsummer Night’s Dream’s anarchic forest setting, The Tempest’s political intrigue and of course, cross-dressing from Twelfth Night, all of which represent normal world order being turned on its head.

Nowhere is this topsy-turviness more apparent in this production than in the use of costume. E.M. Parry’s design is a dressing up box mixture of tracksuits, underwear, full skirts and tailoring, which becomes more outlandish and less gendered as the play progresses and the misrule of the forest takes hold.

Characters dress and undress onstage, garments are suspended overhead on wires, and Rosalind and Celia frequently exit the stage by diving through a crowded costume rail. The Forest of Arden is created with old-fashioned wooden hat stands, which move around the characters in staging reminiscent of Sally Cookson’s The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

Every ounce of available comedy is squeezed from the action in this production; Corin’s flock of bleating sheep is played by members of the cast on all fours, and Jo Patmore puts in a hilarious turn as a swaggering, puffer-jacketed William. But it is Joe Morrow who, as the fool Touchstone, is the most natural comedian – unsurprising given his background in cabaret performance and compering. Morrow’s improvised asides and natural rapport with the audience lead to the play’s funniest moments; his faux-philosophical exchange with Corin (Claire Hackett) is a definite highlight.

Other performer’s talents feed into the tapestry of the play, from Jo Patmore’s gorgeous acoustic renditions of its famous songs to EM Williams’ brief aerial work using one of the hat stand ‘trees’ as a pole. This giant hat stand is also used in the finale as a maypole, an oddly traditional set piece for such an unconventional production, but something that is undeniably pretty to watch.

This production takes the blurring of the gender divide already inherent in Shakespeare’s work – with a boy actor playing a woman pretending to be a boy – and runs with it, proving that although society can get fixated on gender and outward appearance, it is the spirit within each of us that inspires and experiences love.

Northern Broadsides and New Vic Theatre’s co-production of As You Like It is at The Lowry from 8-12 March 2022 and touring. Age guidance: 12+

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With a simple, yet effective design by Lis Evans, the company makes full use of the stage, filling it with props, costumes and lively musical direction by Rebekah Hughes, until it overflows with a WW2-atmosphere and much needed comedy.

The comedy and tragedy of the play is starkly contrasted by some superb performances, fully embracing the darkness and light of Shakespeare’s text.

Robin Simpson’s RAF officer, Benedict is wonderful, with a fine line in double takes. First emerging as an arrogant, self-loving marriage hater, through the play revels his true self to be loyal, fearless and concealing his love for Beatrix.

Isobel Middleton provides the formidable, intelligent, spirited Women’s Land Girl, Beatrix, a true match for Benedict. The scenes where their friends and family employ clever deception to make them admit their long-concealed love for each other are hilarious, and beautifully staged. 

Vampire-like, Don John’s wicked plan to destroy the young love between Hero and Claudio brings darkness, treachery and deceit to the play. Who would think that the Dad’s Army-like night watch will come to the rescue with their heroic band of misfits!

David Nellist’s Dogberry, leader of the night watch, brings to mind an equally self-important, Captain Mannering, with his hilarious mangled language, and baffling pronouncements.

The whole cast collaborate to deliver a production that embodies the spirit of Shakespeare in this, Conrad Nelson’s joyous swansong production for Northern Broadsides.  With many playing instruments, dancing, singing as well as embracing their characters, they bring to mind a merry band of players. 

The clarity of the production is striking – the words of the Bard shine, with the cast clearly conveying the wit and beauty of his language in their delivery. 

I watched the show with my mum (a retired English teacher and expert in all things Shakespeare). We both saw the RSC’s 2014 excellent production and agree this production is better! 

This fantastic production is truly Shakespeare for all – making his work accessible for young and old alike.

Northern Broadside’s Much Ado About Nothing is at The Lowry from 7– 11 May 2019.

Read our interview with Only Fools and Horses’ actor, Gwyneth Strong about going on the road as Mrs Boyle in the latest UK tour of Agatha Christie’s legendary whodunnit, The Mousetrap coming to The Lowry.

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