Written by William Shakespeare Directed by John Bell Designed by Jennie Tate With Saskia Smith as Rosalind Live a little; comfort a little; cheer thyself a little. Bright, breezy, and reminiscent of the best holiday you ever had, As You Like It, directed by John Bell and starring Saskia Smith, is a romantic comedy for anyone who has ever contemplated packing it all in for a simpler life. Rosalind, the daughter of a banished Duke, is forced to flee the court after her uncle unjustly accuses her of treason and threatens to kill her. Masquerading as a countryman and accompanied by the court jester and her cousin Celia, the trio venture into the enchanting Forest of Arden. Rosalind’s disguise comes in handy as she tests the devotion of her noble admirer Orlando, another exile, and teaches him lessons of the heart. What unfolds is a series of humorous misunderstandings, gender confusions and mistaken identities as brothers, lovers, friends and foes are tricked, tried and tested in a pastoral pastiche of life, love and the whole damn thing. The role of the charming and witty Rosalind is played by Saskia Smith, who starred as Ariel in Bell Shakespeare’s 2006 production of The Tempest, for which she was nominated for a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actress. She recently performed opposite iOTA in the hit musical Hedwig And The Angry Inch. Bell Shakespeare’s As You Like It is a play of bright comedy and wit, transporting modern audiences away from the slings and arrows of everyday life to a lighter, more romantic place. | 
