BATS perform 'As You Like It'

As always, the societies' annual production was performed in the stunning Manor Gardens in Bexhill's Old Town. T

here's not much in the way of props but the beauty of a good Shakespearean story, reproduced and as clearly defined as the Bard himself would have wished, just goes to show that window dressing is not necessary.

Within minutes of the audience settling down into their deckchairs, medieval music began, the play commenced, and the sheer magic of the setting swept one and all into what is considered to be one of Shakespeare's greatest comedies.

All the actors gave outstanding,, professional performances, recreating what is essentially the love story between banished Duke Frederick's daughter Rosalind, and Orlando, the disinherited son of one of the Duke's friends.

Banished from the court by her usurping uncle there's the Bard's pre-requisite gender switching as Rosalind makes the decision to travel to the Forest of Arden as a man.

Along with travelling companion cousin Celia, and the Jester 'Touchstone', Rosalind finds not only her father and friends, who are living in exile, but also her man Orlando.

There's much reflection on life, love, and death, with three weddings, families reunited and friends made.

Grace Sturman gave a stellar performance as Rosalind. Tackling the role of Rosalind is a monumental job for any actor as she has more lines than any of Shakespeare female characters.

There are many long speeches for the majority of the actors to contend with in this play and, with the exception of one gent who required a few prompts from behind the scenes, were word perfect, kept the energy up-beat, performed expressively and believably, engaging the audience to the end.

Beautifully made authentic costumes, hair, make-up, and subtle lighting as dusk ensued, all in all, by my troth, added to another outstanding BATS production.