Product Description
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Thea Sharrock's irresistible new production of Shakespeare's
popular romantic comedy stirs wit, sentiment, intrigue and love
into a charming confection which challenges the traditional rules
of romance. At its heart, a feisty but feminine Rosalind (Naomi
Frederick), in love with the endearingly naïve Orlando (Jack
Laskey), uses her disguise as Ganymede to counsel him playfully
in the art of wooing. Distraction is provided by Dominic Rowan, a
remarkably funny Touchstone, and Tim McMullan, whose sonorous
tones are perfectly suited to the lugubrious wit of Jaques.
Filmed in High Definition and true surround sound.
Extra features: Cast gallery and Famous Speeches
Press Reviews
"Naomi Frederick's superb Rosalind is a woman of wit and
intelligence...Laskey's Orlando is equally bewitched, bothered
and bewildered, and the playfulness between the two is a
pleasure." (The Guardian)
Cast
Naomi Frederick (Rosalind)
Jack Laskey (Orlando)
Dominic Rowan (Touchstone)
Tim McMullan (Jaques)
Laura Rogers (Celia)
Jamie Parker (Oliver)
Ewart James Walters (Hymen)
Jade Williams (Phebe)
Production
Company: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Stage Director: Thea Sharrock
Television Director: Kriss Russman
Choreographer: Fin Walker
Disc Information
Catalogue Number: OA1032D
Date of Performance: 2009
Running Time: 147 minutes
Sound: 2.0 PCM & 5.1 DTS
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Anamorphic
Subtitles: EN (in Shakespearean English)
Label: Opus Arte
Review
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All the world is indeed a stage in this ebullient production of
the play which contains those famous lines. It was filmed during
performances at Shakespeare's Globe theatre, the reproduction of
the original Globe in London. Using not only the stage, but also
the audience and its space, this production of one of
Shakespeare's finest comedies goes beyond the normal boundaries
that separate actors and spectators to provide an innovative
version. There are no slow moments here, as a fine team of actors
brings the forest of Arden to the bare stage of the Globe.
As You Like It is one of Shakespeare's "women in drag" plays,
where a woman (originally played by a male actor in Shakespeare's
time) pretends to be a man, then "comes out" at the end of the
play. A simple love story which multiplies to, in the end,
involve four couples, there is much splendid wordplay, and
humorous situations abound.
In some ways, one must consider this to be a "historically
informed performance". With the limits of the replica of the
original Globe Theatre, it's all up to the actors to create the
sets and ambience of the different locations. And this group of
talented actors acquits itself well. With fine performers in the
lead roles, and an excellent ensemble for the smaller roles, the
play is brought to life with verve and wit. The comedic aspect is
played up, leading it to border on the slapstick, unlike many
other staid versions. It works well, giving the play a rhythm
that, after the first few scenes, never lets up.
Jack Laskey's Orlando shines, with his leading-man looks, and his
restrained yet effective portrayal of the love- youth. The
object of his affection, Rosalind, is played by Naomi Frederick,
who overdoes it a bit, and whose face tends to scowl whether she
tries to show anger or happiness. But they work well together,
and Frederick is a convincing young man - as her character plays
for much of the performance. Dominic Rowan is a wonderful
Touchstone, with some anachronistic bits thrown in to keep his
character on the edge, and Tim McMullan's melancholic Jaques is
near perfect.
Aside from the wonderful location and the use of audience space
for many of the scenes, this DVD benefits from excellent camera
work and direction. There are quite a few cameras, and one never
tires with long s from a single point. The editing is brisk
but not overdone, and after a few minutes, one feels immersed in
the intimacy of the theatre.
I'm looking forward to seeing other plays recorded in this
theatre. The quality of the performance combined with the
excellent camera work and editing make this a must-have for any
fan of Shakespeare. And seeing the play performed in a theatre so
close to Shakespeare's own makes it all the more interesting. --
MusicWeb International, Kirk McElhearn