What a happy play this is.. ok maybe not as deep as some of the tragedies. But utterly tremendous nevertheless.
I loved the Beatrice and Benedick story. Once again Shakespeare does such an excellent portrayal of strong women and Beatrice is brilliant character who walks off the page into reality. The dialogue between the two is just on fire. The play gives such scope for clever performance, it just begs for intuitive and highly skilled acting…But reading the script is, for me, a whole new level of understanding and appreciation of what Shakespeare could do with language.
Anyway, I read the RSC play script book and I think these editions are the very best. They have the text of the play, really good notes at the bottom of each page (so you don’t have to keep flipping back and forth), a good summary of each scene at the end of the book and a brilliant chapter on past performances. Top marks to the RSC for these!
I watched the Keneth Branagh film after reading this and thought it was amazing. The Tuscan sun shone though the screen. I think the incredible acting really captured the humour and drama of the play leaving me warmed and happy. The film was good but the credit really goes to Shakespeare.
So top marks once again Mr WS.
If I had to rate it I would say I liked As You Like It more, but still really enjoyed this.

Much enjoyed reread 2023