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By
Kate Hallett
Quite
how the greatest playwright in the history of the English language
had the gall to rely, not once, but twice, upon cross-dressing as
the foundation for a play is open to debate, but there it is.
Lucy
Oliver's production of 'As You Like It' successfully avoids the
obvious pitfall inherent in any play that strives to convince its
audience that both a father and aspiring lover could fail to recognise
the object of their affections when she dons a pair of breeches.
The
play follows Rosalind, the banished Duke's daughter, who falls in
love with Orlando before she too is banished and goes to search
for her father. Demonstrating that masquerading as a man is no impediment
to any self-respecting female seeking The One, Georgia Hicks (Rosalind)
proves herself adept at resolving the confusion which inevitably
results from this unorthodox approach to the dating game.
Merton's
Stewart Pringle is convincing as the male lead, commanding a considerable
stage presence with precise and passionate speech.
Alongside
the main plot, several other unlikely romances develop. Silvius
loves Phoebe; however, she (somewhat unfortunately for all concerned)
is in love with Rosalind/Ganymede. Jonathan Turner has Silvius's
accent down to a T, capturing to great effect the comic mannerisms
of the character.
James
Lea, who plays Oliver, is extremely well cast as Orlando's mean
older brother, given his dark brooding expression and strong Shakespearian
voice. Oliver's emerging regret for his past treatment of Orlando
captivates the audience and the viewer can really sympathise with
his efforts to make amends.
Towards
the end of the production, the difficulty of staging a play in the
Long Room becomes apparent when all of the characters appear together.
However, it is a credit to the producer that the room's restrictive
dimensions do not undermine the play, especially at so vital a point
in the proceedings.
It
is worth seeing this production of 'As You Like It', especially
with such an array of New College talent. You never know, you may
even pick up some sure-fire (cross-dressing) ways of attracting
the attention of that fitty you've had your eye on all term聟
The
views expressed in these comments are those of the contributor's
and not the 成人快手.
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