As You Like It, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

ALL the stage is a world, where all your senses are stimulated in this energetic and multi-sensory production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It.

Set in modern times, and opening within the constraints of a dark, grey political meeting room, the walls are literally pushed back to reveal the colourful, free world of the Forest of Arden which could be mistaken for Glastonbury.

The cast of 11 actors is equalled by the hidden stars of this production; the lighting designer, Chris Davey, composer Richard Hammarton and movement director Sian Williams. The soundscapes created by Hammarton set the scene as clearly as the Bard’s lines, while the choreography and music take you into a magical world that communicates with all your senses. Dan Denton and Ian Galloway’s video design is beautiful and captivating.

The use of regional accents adds to the delivery of these well-used lines. I feel that if he were alive today, Shakespeare would appreciate this production of his work. It had an authenticity and an entertaining quality that was well received by the audience. Hugh O’Shea the dialect coach has done an excellent job.

This is a winning team, the players working in harmony to produce an atmosphere of pure joy. Ellie Collyer-Bristow as casting director has brought together a dream team of actors, and the cast's musical talents are brought to the fore, creating a summer festival feel.

Director Kate Saxon has to be congratulated. The pace, performance and positive vibe created within the Main House was uplifting and just as I like it – entertaining.

We sat next to a young Italian man who had come to Keswick to take part in a 10k run that weekend and saw Shakespeare was on in the theatre. He decided to test his knowledge of the English language. After the cast took their final bow to rapturous applause and whoops, he said he had only followed a third of the lines, yet felt exhilarated by the performance.

If you’ve never seen Shakespeare performed, if you had any love for his word lost through school English exams or if would like to escape to a colourful, vibrant and happy world for a couple of hours, take the opportunity of seeing As You Like It at Theatre by the Lake, until November 4, 2017. www.theatrebythelake.com

Karen Morley-Chesworth