As You Like It
Directed by Ralph Fiennes
Directed by Ralph Fiennes
Production pictures © Marc Brenner
Bath has been buzzing more than usual lately with the Ralph Fiennes short season at Theatre Royal well underway, and last night’s press night for As You Like It was a clear reminder of just how fortunate we are to have such a major talent collaborating with our city’s beloved theatre. As a Bath local, it feels like a real cultural privilege to witness work of this calibre so close to home.
At its heart, As You Like It is a play about renewal - about characters breaking free from restrictive circumstances and rediscovering who they are, and what love and belonging truly mean. This production leans into those themes beautifully, balancing sincerity with moments of lighthearted humour. Fiennes’ production of Shakespeare’s timeless comedy is a thoughtful exploration of expression, identity, and freedom of choice.
One of the standout elements of the evening was its minimal yet atmospheric staging. The design is simple but never lacking. Instead, it creates space for the characters and language to shine. The forest scenes in particular are visually striking. Large curtain backdrops depicting misty woodland images evoked an atmospheric sense of place that, for me, recalled the moody aesthetic of Taylor Swift’s Folklore album cover. It’s a subtle but effective way of underscoring the transformative power of the woods in the play’s narrative.
At its heart, As You Like It is a play about renewal - about characters breaking free from restrictive circumstances and rediscovering who they are, and what love and belonging truly mean. This production leans into those themes beautifully, balancing sincerity with moments of lighthearted humour. Fiennes’ production of Shakespeare’s timeless comedy is a thoughtful exploration of expression, identity, and freedom of choice.
One of the standout elements of the evening was its minimal yet atmospheric staging. The design is simple but never lacking. Instead, it creates space for the characters and language to shine. The forest scenes in particular are visually striking. Large curtain backdrops depicting misty woodland images evoked an atmospheric sense of place that, for me, recalled the moody aesthetic of Taylor Swift’s Folklore album cover. It’s a subtle but effective way of underscoring the transformative power of the woods in the play’s narrative.
Production pictures © Marc Brenner
The performances across the ensemble were deeply moving and consistently nuanced. Gloria Obianyo and Amber James delivered particularly memorable turns, filling their roles with warmth and emotional depth that made the play’s central relationships feel authentic and affecting.
Dylan Moran’s Touchstone provided the perfect counterbalance with his physical comedy and sharp timing, drawing plenty of laughter while still grounding the fool’s role as an observer and truth-teller. Harriet Walter shines with her delivery of the “All the world’s a stage” speech in Act II, and I was moved by her portrayal of the melancholy Jaques throughout the production. The folk-inspired live music woven throughout the performance added a gentle, lyrical charm that enhanced the play’s more light-hearted moments and reminded us of its pastoral roots.
Dylan Moran’s Touchstone provided the perfect counterbalance with his physical comedy and sharp timing, drawing plenty of laughter while still grounding the fool’s role as an observer and truth-teller. Harriet Walter shines with her delivery of the “All the world’s a stage” speech in Act II, and I was moved by her portrayal of the melancholy Jaques throughout the production. The folk-inspired live music woven throughout the performance added a gentle, lyrical charm that enhanced the play’s more light-hearted moments and reminded us of its pastoral roots.
Production pictures © Marc Brenner
While Fiennes’ approach is understated rather than showy, the production’s quiet confidence allows Shakespeare’s words and the actors’ craft to truly take centre stage. There’s a refreshing clarity and intimacy to the storytelling that feels perfectly suited to the Theatre Royal’s space.
Production pictures © Marc Brenner
Overall, As You Like It is a vibrant and moving addition to Fiennes’ Bath season; one that celebrates the enduring power of Shakespeare while offering something fresh and immediate. It’s not a flashy production, but its elegance and emotional intelligence make it a joy to watch. A strong four stars from me, and a heartfelt thank you to Ralph Fiennes and Theatre Royal Bath for giving our city this cultural gift. It's always a joy to be back at the theatre.
This production is now showing in Bath until 6th September 2025.
This production is now showing in Bath until 6th September 2025.