Escape the confines of the city and join a wild adventure of love and laughter

The ladies lead the way as Melbourne Shakespeare Company brings Shakespeare’s best-loved comedy ​As You Like It​ to Central Park, Malvern.

Having spring-boarded into the Independent arts scene in 2016, Melbourne Shakespeare Company has established themselves as a summer staple with their larger than life contemporary adaptations of Shakespeare’s classic plays. After their smash hit production of The Taming of the Shrew last December, Melbourne Shakespeare Company is back this March with their 10th production and one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies, As You Like It. This female lead ensemble is spearheaded by the company’s Artistic Director, Jennifer Sarah Dean (London’s Globe Theatre). It will delight audiences young and old with its quick wit, flamboyant performances, and slick choreography.

The show offers new delights with a-cappella choir and body percussion cleverly integrating contemporary pop music into this classic text with Musical Director Benjamin Colley (Shrek) giving us “the most musically daring of Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s productions yet!”

Set design from Hayley James (The Taming of the Shrew) transports us between the strict rules of the court to the relaxed euphoria of the forest and costume design from Aislinn Naughton (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) creates a magical fairy-tale world reminiscent of our childhoods.

Anabelle Tudor (Puffs) will take on the leading role of Rosalind notorious for having more lines than Hamlet! While Melbourne icon Don Bridges (Jack Irish, Judy & Punch) joins the company for the first time as Corin. Audience favourite Tref Gare will return for his fourth season as the melancholy Jaques (Bright Star).

Melbourne Shakespeare Company is conscious of its environmental impact and is proud to use fully reclaimed, reused, and recycled costume and set in all of their productions. This initiative has been spearheaded by sustainability champion Rhiannon Irving (Australian Ballet) and continues to drive the company’s ethos and practices.

As You Like It is family-friendly production and audiences are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy in the sunshine. Seating is not provided at the venue, and protective sun wear is recommended for matinee performances.

Central Park, Malvern East
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th March at 2pm & 7pm
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th March at 2pm & 7pm

Tickets are now available at melbourneshakespeare.com