★★★★☆
Fingerless Theatre’s production of As You Like It at Flightpath Theatre embraces a lively sense of escape. With picnic blankets, live music and a warm, nostalgic glow, this production invites its audience to take a breath, sit under the metaphorical sunshine and enjoy one of Shakespeare’s most joyful comedies.
First performed around 1599, As You Like It remains one of William Shakespeare’s most beloved rom-coms. Packed with disguises, philosophical musings and some of the Bard’s most famous lines, including Jaques’ “All the world’s a stage” speech, it has long been celebrated for its wit, romantic entanglements and celebration of nature as a place of freedom and transformation.
The story begins in a tense and dangerous court. Orlando is mistreated by his older brother Oliver, while Rosalind finds herself exiled by the ruling Duchess. Fleeing the oppressive court, Rosalind disguises herself as a young man and escapes with her cousin Celia into the Forest of Arden.
There, they encounter shepherds, fools and wandering courtiers. What follows is a delightful tangle of mistaken identities, playful flirtation and philosophical reflection as love begins to blossom in unexpected places.
Director and producer Alex Kendall Robson leans wholeheartedly into the play’s sense of pastoral joy. His concept places the action in the nostalgic haze of the early 2010s, an era of mason jars, bunting, folk-pop soundtracks and sun-drenched Instagram filters.
It’s a playful idea that works surprisingly well, giving the forest sequences the relaxed atmosphere of an endless summer picnic. The result is a production that is inviting, warm and feels genuinely affectionate toward the material.
At the centre of it all is Jade Fuda as Rosalind. Now, Shakespeare sleuths will know that Rosalind is supposed to be tall so that she can pass in her disguise as a man. Jade is not tall. In this production, Rosalind is the same height as Celia, which made me initially apprehensive to see how the journey would play out.
Fear not, fellow thespians. Jade delivers the best portrayal of Rosalind I have ever seen. She completely understands Rosalind’s pain, playfulness and resolve. She is charismatic and assured, navigating the character’s verbal dexterity and emotional intelligence with impressive ease. In particular, the scenes where Rosalind (disguised as Ganymede) mischievously “teaches” Orlando how to woo her.
Pat Mandziy’s Orlando brings sincerity and youthful enthusiasm to the role. He creates a believable and charming romantic counterpart. By Jade’s side, Larissa Turton shines as Celia, providing warmth and sharp comic timing.
Zachary Aleksander’s Touchstone proves an energetic and entertaining presence, balancing irreverent humour with just enough mischief. Soyna Kerr carries herself well in the dual Duchess roles: the conniving one at the court and the comforting one in the forest.
Nicholas Starte’s Oliver/Sylvius offers a nicely contrasted pair of performances. Alex Kendall Robson himself steps into the role of Jaques/Corin, delivering the famous “All the world’s a stage” speech with thoughtful restraint.
Meg Bennetts brings playful comedy to Audrey/Phebe. Jack Elliot Mitchell adds lively physicality as Charles the Wrestler and aged frailty as Adam the carer. Max Fernandez provides eccentric versatility across Le Beau, Amiens and Hymen.
The production is further enriched by its live musicians. Brea Macey, Hannah Buckley and James Robin provide a gentle folk-infused atmosphere that perfectly complements the play’s rustic setting. Music Director Zachary Aleksander integrates these musical moments smoothly into the storytelling, giving the show an easy, communal feel.
Visually, the design team supports the concept with flair. Costume designers Josh Carter and Lily Moody lean into the hipster-inspired aesthetic suggested by the director’s note, creating a playful and contemporary world while still allowing the text to breathe.
Holly Nesbitt’s lighting design, assisted by Gaby Whalland, helps guide the audience between the cool tones of the court and the warmth of the forest. David Wilson’s sound design helps shape the production’s relaxed outdoor atmosphere.
What ultimately makes this production work is its sense of joy. Alex Kendall Robson’s direction doesn’t try to reinvent Shakespeare so much as rediscover the simple pleasures embedded within the play. Friendship, music, laughter and the restorative power of nature.
My only quibbles are that there are a couple of moments where the tone feels inconsistent. If this truly is a rom-com, then it is not a drama. The scene at the court and the one in the forest add too much weight instead of letting the comedy lift us.
I love Rosalind’s monologue at the end of the play, where she breaks the fourth wall and charges the audience of men and women to love one another. That final beat is missing in this production because Fingerless Theatre have favoured their unique musical style. Which, to be fair, gives the play a grandiose conclusion and had the audience on their feet.
Fingerless Theatre’s As You Like It is a charming and heartfelt reminder that sometimes the greatest theatrical pleasure lies in gathering together, sharing stories and escaping, if only briefly, to somewhere greener. It’s a warm, playful and delightfully sweet evening of Shakespeare that invites audiences to lose themselves in the sunshine of Arden.
As You Like It is presented by Fingerless Theatre and runs to 14 March at Flight Path Theatre. 142 Addison Road Marrickville NSW 2204.
Tickets: https://www.flightpaththeatre.org/whats-on/as-you-like-it
Website: https://fingerlesstheatre.com/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/fingerlesstheatre/ and https://www.instagram.com/flightpaththeatre/
Photo credits: Phil Erbacher
