Review: As You Like It, Belmont, Throwley, Friday, July 20

by Keith Hunt

Taking a picnic to an open air play in a British summer is always a perilous business. So it proved for The Changeling's annual helping of Shakespeare in the splendid setting of Belmont at Throwley, near Faversham.

Shortly before curtain up in the fragrant walled garden, the sky turned dark, sandwiches turned soggy and wine was in danger of turning into water.

But just as it looked like we would have to squint at the pastoral comedy As You Like It from under an umbrella, the rain stopped right on cue in time for the first act.

Once again we were treated to a first-class play of utter professionalism with brilliant comic timing and a sprinkling of innovative folk-laden music from newcomer Alex Scott.

Billed as a "Shakespearian rom-com" and a "Jubilympic production", the actors led us through the often complex tale of exile, persecution, cross-dressing and simpering love in the Forest of Arden.

Duke Frederick has usurped the Duchy of his older brother Duke Senior, both played superbly by Nicholas Osmond. Orlando (Thomas Christian), a young gentleman of the kingdom, is forced to flee after being persecuted by his older brother Oliver (Daniel Wiltshire). Orlando is immediately smitten with the Duke's comely daughter Rosalind (Madeleine Knight).

After she is banished from court by an angry Frederick, Rosalind disguises herself somewhat unconvincingly as a young man called Ganymede and her cousin Celia (Esther-Grace Button) poses as poor girl Aliena. Together with jester Touchstone (Alex Scott), they flee to the forest, where the exiled Duke now lives, and the fun begins.

Madeleine Knight and Esther-Grace Button, both making their debut with the Changeling, shared a fine chemistry which enabled them to spark off each other to hilarious effect. Likewise, Thomas Christian amused with his coy wooing of Rosalind.

As always, the garden clock played its part in the play, chiming at inopportune moments and audience participation was encouraged. One spectator discovered that all the world is indeed a stage with a brief walk-on part as William - or Will.i.am as Touchstone dubbed him in his best yokel voice.

Elizabeth Kent, described as a proud shepherdess, showed she could also hold her own in the comedy stakes when falling for Ganymede, rather than shepherd Silvius (Marc Rhys).

What was not to like?