A Prescot-based theatre company is going back on tour this summer with a joyful reprise of one of William Shakespeare’s classics.
The Forest of Arden will be the backdrop for Imaginarium Theatre’s return to the stage as the Bard’s As You Like It comes to parks, gardens and green spaces across the region.
The new production forms part of the company’s outdoor summer creative communities programme in partnership with the Shakespeare North Playhouse, supported by Arts Council England and Knowsley Council.
Imaginarium artistic director Gaynor La Rocca said: “After a difficult year full of lockdowns and staying indoors, we are delighted to be welcoming people back to the Forest of Arden for this firm family favourite.
“As You Like It invites the audience to go on a journey of love, laughter and self-discovery and its glorious pastoral setting is only made more stunning against the backdrop of some of the city regions most scenic parks and gardens.
“With a female Duke Senior and Melancholy Jaques, we breathe new life into familiar characters and break away from traditional gender norms to explore the influence of femininity in relationships, leadership and community.”
The hilarious and magical outdoor performance tells the tale of crossing-dressing heroines and triumphant heroes as they embrace their imaginations, let go of their fears and surrender to romance.
The team of more than 25 community performers are accompanied by an original score and led by Royal Shakespeare Company voice director Michael Corbridge and West End and Broadway choreographer Beverley Norris-Edmonds.
The premier will be at Imaginarium’s home venue of Prescot Woodland Theatre on Saturday, July 3 before hitting the road and returning to Prescot to perform at the Outdoor Shakespeare Festival on Saturday, July 17.
For ticket information visit www.imaginariumtheatre.co.uk/boxoffice
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