Josie Rourke (Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Measure for Measure) will direct a new production of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It at the West End's most recently built theatre @sohoplace. The production, which will be the theatre's second, begins performances December 6 for a limited run through January 28, 2023.
Stage and screen favorites will star in the cast, including Leah Harvey (Foundation, The Wonderful World of Dissocia) as Rosalind, Rose Ayling-Ellis (EastEnders) as Celia in her West End debut, Alfred Enoch (Harry Potter films, Red West End) as Orlando, and Tony nominee Martha Plimpton (The Good Wife, Sweat) as Jaques. Further casting will be announced at a later date.
Rourke, who has worked across the West End, Broadway, Off-Broadway, and the silver screen, helms the production team which features design by Rob Jones, lighting by Howard Harrison, sound by John Leonard, and music by Michael Bruce. The production reunites Rourke and Enoch as Enoch played Titus Lartius in Coriolanus at Donmar Warehouse in 2013-2014 under Rourke's direction.
READ: London's West End to Get 1st Newly Built Theatre in 50 Years in Fall 2022
"Nica has built a beautiful and vibrant new theatre for London and I’m proud to be part of her opening session," said Rourke. "When I saw the new auditorium, saying 'yes' to directing on that wonderful stage was one of the quickest answers I’ve ever given. I remember well from opening the new Bush Theatre the peculiar struggles and challenges of opening the doors on a new theatre, and I’m honoured to be part of this important endeavour. As things feel tough, Nica has doubled down on theatre’s future in the capital, and I want to support her and her team’s courage by creating a joyful and celebratory show for one of theatre’s most intimate, welcoming new homes, @sohoplace.“
The theatre has previously announced its inaugural production, a transfer of New Vic Theatre's Marvellous that began previews October 15.
For more information, visit SohoPlace.org.
Check out photos from Broadway's Les Liaisons Dangereuses, directed by Rourke, below.
