AllWays Traveller Features
As You Like It at Shakespeare's Globe, Bankside, London
A shimmering antidote to autumn chills
As You Like It at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (to 25 October 2026) is a sparkling new production of this gentle farce about making the right choices.
Light and very cheery, it brightens the spirits when evenings are drawing in and there is a distinct chill is in the air.
(Images Marc Brenner)
Elizabethan bawdy at its very best
Written in 1599, As You Like It, is thought to be the first Shakespeare play to be performed at the original Globe Theatre.
The current Shakespeare's Globe production sets the pastoral comedy opens in the 18th Century and gives us the women at court in pastel-coloured gowns, the men in garish garb with tailcoats and both adorned with outrageous wigs.
This offers perfect contrast between the foppish opulence at court with the simple, unfettered life in the forest.
As You Like It is playful whimsy that inevitably leads to a happy ending for absolutely everyone.
But this is very much its joy. Particularly in a production that exploits the ribald farce to wonderful effect.
It is also genuine ensemble piece but with the chance for every member of the cast given freedom to express and excel.
That said the spotlight must shine on three female performances.
Lola Shalam, when Rosalind becomes Ganymede, binds the production through all of the misconceptions that ensue.
We know she is a woman but could easily be fooled.
And Grace Oddie-James, when her Celia becomes Aliena, gives a supporting performance to much of what Ganymede is portraying that is comic genius and with words often unnecessary.
Finally, Phoebe Naughton as Audrey is just excruciatingly funny in her courtship of Touchstone, a suitably ludicrous and very funny Jonnie Broadbent.
The faux-folk musical element of the production, while soon forgotten, creates the right atmosphere throughout.
And the painting of the forest backdrop anew during each performance is a fine way of depicting the ever changing nature of forest life.
As you Like it is a fitting final production to what has been a grand 2026 summer season at Shakespeare's Globe.
https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on/as-you-like-it/
Confusion reigns as everyone ends up in the forest
Like all Shakespeare, As You Like It benefits from a little brushing up of the plot.
Dastardly Duke Frederick has usurped his brother, kindly Duke Senior, and banished him and his daughter Rosalind into exile in the Forest of Arden.
Once there, Rosalind disguises herself as a young shepherd boy and calls herself Ganymede.
Celia, who is Rosalind's cousin and best friend, follows and calls herself Aliena.
Orlando, whose love for Rosalind is unrequited, has in turn been forced to flee into the same forest to escape the murderous clutches of his own brother, Oliver.
In addition to these 'newcomers' we have Phebe a young shepherdess falling in love with Rosalind (who, of course is disguised as Ganymede) when she is really meant for the young shepherd boy Silvius.
There is also a third love match between Touchstone, the court jester, and Audrey another shepherdess.
Despite the tangled contrivance, all works out in the end with a triple marriage, Orlando and Oliver making up and Duke Senior getting his kingdom back.
For a full synopsis :
https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/exploreshakespeare/shakespedia/shakespeares-plays/as-you-like-it/
Also at Shakespeare's Globe
Much Ado About Nothing
(To 24 October 2026)
Much Ado About Nothing is an absolute triumph.
It is 'pitch-perfect' staging for this unique theatre and simply hilarious.
https://www.allwaystraveller.com/allways-features/loves-labours-lost-at-shakespeares-globe
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse : Winter season 2026/27
Shakespeare's Globe on Bankside London has announced its Winter 2026/27 season in the indoor, candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
This more intimate indoor theatre is modelled on the candlelit theatres of Shakespeare's London.
The Winter season in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse includes :
*Julius Caesar (6 November 2026 to 14 February 2027)
*The Seagull (17 January to 12 April 2027), and
*King John (7 February to 11 April 2027)
The season is completed with the premiere of Timberlake Wertenbaker's The Animals Come to the Table (11 December 2026 to 24 January 2027)
https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/discover/about-us/sam-wanamaker-playhouse
See also :
Shakespeare's Globe at Bankside : https://www.allwaystraveller.com/allways-features/shakespeares-globe-bankside-london
On the ground at Shakespeare's Globe : https://www.allwaystraveller.com/allways-features/on-the-ground-at-shakespeares-globe
About Shakespeare's Globe
Shakespeare's Globe is a world-renowned theatre, education centre and cultural landmark on London's Bankside.
The Globe Theatre
Shakespeare called his theatre a 'wooden O' and like his historic playhouse, the Globe Theatre is a 360° auditorium.
With no roof over the central yard, the theatre is open-air, and audiences who attend performances and tours are told to dress for the weather.
The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is located on the same site in London, next to the Globe Theatre.
Named in honour of its founder, the Playhouse is based on indoor candlelit theatres known to Shakespeare and his contemporaries.
Lit by over one hundred beeswax candles, the intimate Sam Wanamaker Playhouse hosts plays, concerts, education workshops and events throughout the year.
The Globe and Sam Wanamaker Playhouse provides a unique theatrical experience.
Shakespeare's Globe's productions also tour throughout the UK, Europe, the United States and Asia and its educational work is extending overseas.
https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/discover/about-us/globe-theatre/
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Contact info
ISSN 2634-7032
London, United Kingdom
+44 0 7764 198 286