Founded in 2021 with the aim of bringing high quality Shakespeare productions to the local community, East London Theatre Festival (ELSF) has expanded its horizons this year, venturing outside East London and even indoors. After enjoying their family-friendly Much Ado About Nothing last year, we were privileged to be a part of their first ever Stratford audience, and even more delighted to be in their one and only indoor (and crucially air-conditioned) venue this weekend.
This year’s show is another comedy, As You Like It, set in a reimagined Forest of Arden filled with festival frivolities. Easy enough to follow, even for first timers, it’s another great blend of the traditional text and the sort of madcap, musical mayhem that has very much become ELSF’s signature style. There’s a bit of something for everyone in here, from pop classics to greedy goats.
It’s a brilliant ensemble piece, with fantastically funny performances from the entire cast, although George Prove and Ethan do their very best to steal every scene. An unsuspecting audience member also finds himself in a starring role! We were especially impressed by apprentice actor, Peggy Barnes, who was excellent throughout. This is another admirable element of the ELSF productions, which always have community at their heart, employing young apprentices both on and off-stage.
It’s a lot of fun and a brilliant, unpretentious introduction to Shakespeare for all ages. The cast ensure that the younger audience members are engaged throughout, with lots of nice interaction and an opportunity to get involved in the music-making. As usual, ELSF is also running crafty workshops before the show. This year, children (and the young at heart) can sign up for garland-making, helping them to immerse themselves in the action.
Once again, ELSF has put together a really enjoyable production that brings Shakespeare alive for contemporary London audiences. We had a brilliant trip to the Forest of Arden and look forward to being transported somewhere new next year!
As You Like It played at Riverside East, Stratford on 30 June 2025, as part of a summer tour. We received a complimentary family tickets to this performance. All other venues are outdoors, with picnic style seating.