As You Like It at The Roundhouse

After the solemn Julius Caesar last week I was glad to see a Shakespearian comedy at the Roundhouse, the chirpy ‘As You like It’. It is a witty play that examines different kinds of love.

The strong cast seem entirely comfortable in each other’s company, and have a buzzing chemistry as an ensemble. Interactions are acute and full of delicate nuances bringing the script to life. The set is minimal, especially in the first half; a startling bright white backdrop that makes the characters' humorous expressions jump out. After the interval the auditorium, and indeed the whole building is transformed into the yearning lover Orlando’s forest, echoing with desperate pleas for fair Rosalind to find him. Visually this is very effective, and imaginatively romantic.

Johjo O’Neill is dashing as the hopeful young paramour, Orlando, he reminded me of a young Bob Dylan, with scruffy brown locks, and a mischievous glint in his eye. As you enter the theatre he stands (in character), singing to passers by, seemingly unaware of all else around him, it is a nice touch. The music within the performance is sublime, particularly from Forbes Masson as Jaques, a mad soul who wanders aimlessly with a guitar, and looks remarkably like Bill Bailey. He sings with an astoundingly beautiful falsetto voice, and I couldn’t help thinking I would like to have his melancholic refrains on my ipod. The giggling cousins are played by Mariah Gale as Celia and Katy Stephens as Rosalind. There are some charming scenes together, as they spin round each other and fall about laughing. I particularly enjoyed Gale’s performance, she is dreamy and yet speaks with great elegance.

The play is long, especially for a comedy, and began to drag towards the end... this though is perhaps the fault of writer not director, if I am allowed to criticise Shakespeare(?). Eventually all wrongs are righted, and all rejoice, rather too enthusiastically I thought: they all looked a bit silly. Thankfully the rest of the show is rather more convincing and enjoyable.

As You Like It continues until 5 February 2011, book tickets here.

Matilda the Musical

Matilda is the brand new musical creation from Aussie comedian and musician Tim Minchin, with a marvellous script from Dennis Kelly. The run is taking place at The Courtyard Theatre, part of the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford upon Avon. Once again I found myself amongst a gaggle of children, all clutching their Roald Dahl colouring pads and consuming copious sugary bribes from their parents.

It took us a while to drive there, especially with the distinct lack of signposts, surprising considering the importance of this theatre to Stratford. Eventually we found it, parked and wandered through the picturesque town to the venue. The 1000 plus seat Courtyard Theatre was not intended to be permanent, but merely a temporary home during the company’s Transformation project. Those who see Matilda in this building will, I’m sure, agree that it works perfectly for this piece.

Matilda is yet another example of the super kids that seem to be taking over stages everywhere; think of Billy Elliot and Oliver! Just as the little girl’s thoughts rule Dahl’s book, the tiny actress playing Matilda dominates this production and is on stage most of the time. There are ten children in the musical, and three casts, allowing them to alternate regularly. I saw brave and bold Josie Griffiths take to stage as the lead, and she was faultless, giving a performance that would put many adults to shame. I sat gawping at the tiny star, wondering how on earth she managed to learn all those lines, songs, and complicated dance moves. The other kids are brilliant too, and just as talented, I soon forgot they were children - the acting is so impressive.

Director Matthew Warchus has taken a terrific story and made it into an irresistible show. The choreography is beyond imaginative, with fun rebellions and punchy gym routines. For a first show, the Minchin – Kelly duo have written an unbeatable piece, surpassing all expectations. The songs are thoughtful and catchy, with words that sizzle. The story captures Dahl’s magical world, with a clever twist that gives the characters a real sense of depth.

The terrifyingly fabulous Miss Trunchbull is played by Bertie Carvel making his debut at the RSC with Matilda. He marches about spitting orders with sadistic glory. There is a wonderful scene when the headmistress forces poor Bruce to eat a giant chocolate cake, gleefully rubbing her chubby paws together in delight. The ghastly Wormwood parents are played by thrillingly grotesque pair Josie Walker and Paul Kaye, the cruel opposite to Matilda’s intelligence.

I’m afraid I can’t find a bad word to say about this show; there is nothing to criticise and is much more fun than I expected. And I am not the only one raving about it - Matilda has received five star reviews from everyone who’s anyone. I have all my fingers and toes crossed that this show will transfer to a London stage soon, I am desperate to see it again.

Matilda is on until 30 January 2011 at The Courtyard Theatre.