This summer’s school play, Shakespeare’s As You Like It, captivated audiences at the Farrer last week, with its
intricate love triangles and myriad of emotions portrayed by a cast which brought the play to life with
breathtaking dynamism and comic brilliance. Starring William Sewell (JMO’B) as Orlando and George
Carter (NA) as Rosalind, the performance took the audience on an intense emotional journey, exploring love
and forgiveness, and ended triumphantly in its quadruple wedding and a dance – in which perhaps Lorenzo
Harvey Allchurch’s (HWTA) performance as Phebe definitely made his character stand out from the crowd.
Beyond George Carter’s thoroughly layered portrayal of the playful Ganymede and yearning Rosalind and
William Sewell’s expressive performance of the confused and lovesick Orlando, a special mention must be
made for Peter Anderson’s (NCWS) impassioned representation of the farmer Silvius which kept audiences
laughing throughout, together with Jude Martin’s (NPTL) charismatic horn-toting Touchstone. Obonya
Obe’s (SPH) vivid performance of the melancholy Jaques added another dimension to the production, and
Jack Finnis’s (PGW) comic rendition of Celia also cannot be omitted.
The expert direction of Scott Handy and the brilliantly creative sound and lighting choices ensured that this
tale of love, courage and determination will not be forgotten for a long time.
