The Stephen Joseph Theatre and Shakespeare North Playhouse have announced As You Like It (more or less), a new co-production and fresh adaptation of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy set to tour between the two venues in spring 2027.
The production follows the success of the theatres’ previous collaborations, The Comedy of Errors (more or less), which was nominated for a UK Theatre Award, and Love’s Labour’s Lost (more or less) in 2025.
Adapted by Nick Lane and Kat Rose-Martin, As You Like It (more or less) relocates Shakespeare’s tale to 1978, where wide flares, pointed collars and a lively festival atmosphere provide the backdrop for a new take on the classic romantic comedy.
The story follows Orlando DeBois and Rosalind Duke, two young people searching for something more from life. After a chance meeting sparks an instant connection, they find themselves separately drawn into the wild heart of the Arden Forest.
In this reimagining, the Forest of Arden becomes a chaotic 1970s music festival, complete with mistaken identities, disguises, romance, wrestling and a soundtrack packed with iconic hits from the decade.
The production promises a fast-paced blend of Shakespeare, Northern humour and meta-theatrical comedy while exploring themes of love, identity and family loyalty.
Co-writer Kat Rose-Martin said: “I love a bit of the Bard. I also love wrestling, loads of gags, and banger tracks that make you want to get up and boogie. We’ve been packing all that together and giggling every step of the way.
“Expect a sprinkle of what you might know, with a gravy of fun and frolics on top!”
Director Paul Robinson, Artistic Director at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, said: “With As You Like It, we’re thrilled to take the next step in our ongoing exploration of Shakespeare’s most vibrant comedies, building directly on the joyful energy of Love’s Labour’s Lost and the chaotic brilliance of The Comedy of Errors.
“This production represents a wonderful evolution for our creative teams and ensemble. We’re taking the sharp wit, pop music, and physical comedy that our audiences loved in the previous shows and bringing that distinct style into the magical, transformative world of the Forest of Arden. It’s a fantastic next chapter for us, and we can’t wait to share it with audiences in Scarborough and Prescot.”
Lisa Allen, Chief Executive and Creative Director at Shakespeare North, said: “Shakespeare’s comedies have this wonderful ability to entertain us centuries later, and As You Like It gives us the perfect opportunity to bring an abundance of playfulness and joy to our audiences.
“We’re delighted to be continuing our creative relationship with the team at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, building on the success of our previous productions and bringing something energetic and a little bit unexpected to Prescot.
“We hope audiences will come ready to laugh, get caught up in the music and hilarity, and enjoy discovering this wonderfully eccentric world of festivals and wrestling with us.”
As You Like It (more or less) will run at the Stephen Joseph Theatre from 19 March to 3 April 2027 before transferring to Shakespeare North Playhouse from 9 April to 1 May 2027.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
