Welcome to Yorkshire
Inspiration • September 16th, 2026
|A delightful new adaptation of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, As You Like It, is set to grace the stages of Yorkshire in spring 2027. This exciting co-production is a collaboration between Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre and Prescot’s Shakespeare North Playhouse, promising to bring a fresh twist to the classic tale.
New Adaptation Announced
The reimagined production, titled As You Like It (more or less), will run at the Stephen Joseph Theatre from Friday 19 March to Saturday 3 April 2027, before moving to Shakespeare North Playhouse from Friday 9 April to Saturday 1 May 2027. This adaptation follows the success of previous collaborations between the two theatres, including The Comedy of Errors (more or less) in 2023 and Love’s Labour’s Lost (more or less) in 2025, both of which received acclaim and nominations for UK Theatre Awards.
A 1970s Twist
This version of As You Like It introduces a vibrant 1970s setting, complete with flared trousers, pointy collars, and a nod to the era’s musical festival culture. The story revolves around two main characters, Orlando DeBois and Rosalind Duke, who are each searching for something more in their lives. After a chance encounter, they embark on a journey into the wilds of the Arden Forest, where love and identity become central themes amidst the chaos of a 70s music festival.
Director Paul Robinson, who leads the creative team, expressed enthusiasm for the project:
“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.”
Expect Plenty of Fun
Co-writer Kat Rose-Martin added to the excitement:
“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.”
This production promises to be filled with sharp Northern wit, lively music, and plenty of comedic moments that are sure to entertain audiences of all ages.
