Theatre review: As You Like It (RSC/RST)

Shakespeare plays run to a schedule similar to buses', so less than a month after the Globe's latest production confirmed why As You Like It is my favourite of the comedies, half the Artistic Director of the RSC comes along with his own take on why this is one of the most joyous of the plays. Not that Daniel Evans' production starts that way, with a monochrome design in which Colin Richmond's costumes in fascist black contrast with the clinical whiteness of Anisha Fields' set. This is the tyrannical domain of a Duke (Gary Wilmot) who recently ousted his own brother, and who entertains himself organising wrestling tournaments where fatalities are considered par for the course. Orlando (Elliot Barnes-Worrell,) a young nobleman also disinherited by his brother Oliver (Caleb Roberts,) takes his chances, and not only survives but wins the match - only for the Duke to banish him.Orlando does impress the Duke's daughter Celia (Fisayo Akinade) though, and even more so her beloved cousin…