AS You Like was not the most carefully penned of Shakespeare's plays, bearing all the hallmarks of being produced in great haste having a thin plot and a quick ending which seems to suggest that the author had had enough.

Having said that, this production directed by Gregory Thompson was lively and inventive and used the talented cast to good effect.

The 19th century costumes suited the style of the play, and the set, which consisted of what looked like a huge skateboard ramp in the first scene, proved ingenious with its lifts and tucks transforming the stage into many different impressive scenes.

Nina Sosanya's Rosalind was superb - an elegant lady and a prowling strutting 'man' never seeming uneasy with the intricacies of the language. Martin Hudson's Orlando was well observed with the right mix of uncertain youth and heavy lover.

Touchstone as played by John Killoran has some of the unfunniest lines a clown has to speak but his body language was a joy to watch.

A highly talented cast, an unusual set and spot on timing makes this an exciting and vibrant production.

Review by MARTIN SMITH