Tantrum Theatre presents the first work of its 35th anniversary season with its production of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It.

Presented in collaboration with Newcastle L!vesites, this enchanting family-friendly production of Shakespeare’s classic comedy will be brought to life in February under the stars in two of Newcastle’s most beautiful and unique parks.

As You Like It is a whimsical play that is full of humour, cross-dressing, family tensions, love at first sight, mistaken identities and hilarious clowning, and features the famous “all the world’s a stage” speech. This production runs for approximately two hours with an interval. It is recommended for people of all ages, especially those with a sunny disposition.

Adapted and directed by Carl Young and featuring a cast of some of this city’s finest young actors, this production of As You Like It will be underscored by a troupe of live musicians, led by acclaimed local composer Christopher Harley.

Young’s exciting adaptation has interpolated several songs by English folk group Mumford & Sons that have been arranged by Harley for performance by the musicians and actors. The performers in this very Australian As You Like It include Michelle Pastor, Sarah Coffee, Matthew Sefton, Dean Blackford, Mat Lee, Carl Gregory, Simon Tarrant, Shanon Kulupach, Mitchell Cox, Theo Rule and Rachel Jackett.

Tantrum’s Artistic Director, Brendan O’Connell, noted that the play is an HSC English syllabus text, and said that “we are providing access to a high-quality local production and assist students’ understanding of the theme of belonging within the play.”

Paul Tibbles, Program Director of Newcastle L!vesites, said “We’re very much looking forward to restaging and reinventing this delightful play with the city’s leading theatre company.”


SEASON
Richley Reserve, Blackbutt I 4-6 February at 6:30pm
Pacific Park, Newcastle East I 11-13 February at 6:30pm

Tickets are $25/$20 and available now through Ticketek 4929 1977 or on-site one hour prior to each performance. Take a rug and a picnic, sit back, and enjoy the show! Please note that no alcohol or glass containers are permitted on-site.

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