Melbourne Shakespeare Company announce AS YOU LIKE IT season extension due to popular demand
Melbourne Shakespeare Company is pleased to announce that due to the incredible audience response for this ‘side-splitting comedy’ they will be extending their 2020 season of As You Like It.
As You Like It, which was originally due to close on the March 15, will transfer to the impressive Fairfield Amphitheatre for four extra shows on the 21st and 22nd of March.
“Our shows are always well received but this production has gained unprecedented praise from both critics and audiences” explained artistic director Jennifer Sarah Dean. “We felt we had to extend to keep up with demand for ticket sales and also to allow as many people as possible to be able to enjoy this once in a lifetime production.”
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. They are used to sell-out seasons with their smash hit production of The Taming of the Shrew last December requiring the company to sell standing room only tickets.
This female lead ensemble is spearheaded by the company’s Artistic Director, Jennifer Sarah Dean (London’s Globe Theatre). Has delighted 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 the most lines of any female character in a Shakespeare play! While Melbourne icon Don Bridges (Jack Irish, Judy & Punch) joined the company for the first time as Corin. Audience favourite Tref Gare returns 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 recycles 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. Protective sun wear is recommended for matinee performances. Tickets are now available at melbourneshakespeare.com.
Extended Season Details
Fairfield Amphitheatre
21st & 22nd of March at 2pm and 7pm
