Love, laughter, mistaken identities and one of Broadway’s biggest stars come together in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s new production of As You Like It. Starring Tony Award-winning Jonathan Groff in his RSC debut as Rosalind, this bold new version of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy promises romance, adventure and plenty of surprises.
Here’s why it’s one of this autumn’s must-see productions:
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1. A Celebration of love in all its forms
At its heart, As You Like It is a joyful celebration of love, friendship and the freedom to be yourself. Blending romance, comedy and heartfelt emotion, Shakespeare’s timeless play explores themes of identity and belonging that continue to resonate with audiences today.
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2. Jonathan Groff’s eagerly awaited RSC debut
Tony Award-winning Broadway star Jonathan Groff (Hamilton, Frozen, Mindhunter and Glee) takes on the iconic role of Rosalind in his first-ever performance with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
For Groff, appearing at the RSC is the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. After visiting Stratford-upon-Avon in 2019 to see a production of The Taming of the Shrew that explored gender and identity, he was inspired by the experience and hoped one day to perform Shakespeare himself.
Jonathan Groff, the Tony Award-winning star of Hamilton, Frozen, Mindhunter and Glee, makes his RSC debut as Rosalind in As You Like It.
When director Daniel Evans invited him to play Rosalind in this all-male production, Groff’s reaction was immediate:
“Holy f****** s**t.”
The actor has since described returning to Stratford and beginning work on the production as leaving him “in a state of ecstasy”.
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3. A fresh perspective on a Shakespeare classic
Directed by Daniel Evans, this inventive all-male production brings a fresh perspective to one of Shakespeare’s most open-hearted comedies.
Rather than changing the story, the casting shines a new light on the play’s enduring themes, bringing fresh energy to a production that explores how we understand ourselves and each other. As Evans explains, “Love is love and, however we identify, it falls where it falls,” making this production both playful and deeply relevant for modern audiences.
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4. A story packed with romance, humour and mistaken identities
Rosalind is forced to leave the strict world of the Duke’s royal household and escapes to the freedom of the Forest of Arden disguised as a young man, where she encounters Orlando, the man she has fallen for.
What follows is a wonderfully entertaining adventure filled with wit, mistaken identities and unexpected encounters as Shakespeare explores what happens when the rules of society are turned upside down.
Jonathan Groff and director Daniel Evans discuss the RSC’s bold new production of As You Like It.
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5. The perfect introduction to Shakespeare
Whether you’re a lifelong Shakespeare fan or experiencing his work for the very first time, As You Like It offers one of the most accessible and entertaining introductions to his work.
Packed with humour, memorable characters and universal themes, this production shows why Shakespeare’s plays continue to captivate audiences more than 400 years after they were first performed.
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Make a day of it
Turn your visit into a complete Stratford-upon-Avon experience by exploring the historic town before the performance. Wander its charming streets, browse independent shops and riverside cafés, then round off your visit with a meal at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre’s Rooftop Restaurant, where panoramic views across the River Avon provide the perfect setting before the curtain rises.
Enjoy panoramic views across the River Avon from the RSC’s Rooftop Restaurant terrace.
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Ticket Information
As You Like It runs in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, from 26 September to 7 November 2026.
For performance times, ticket availability and booking information, visit the Royal Shakespeare Company website [here].
