We are thrilled to be shining a light on the forthcoming production from the remarkable Shropshire Youth Theatre (SYT). This production is a true celebration of local young talent performing a work that has deep historical and literary roots right here in Shropshire and at Soulton Hall.
SYT is presenting a vibrant and rebellious adaptation of William Shakespeare’s beloved pastoral comedy, As You Like It. We know this play is especially significant to our community, as research shows the character “Old Sir Rowland” was likely inspired by Sir Rowland Hill of Soulton Hall, and the ancient Forest of Arden—the play’s setting—historically included parts of Shropshire.
SYT – AS You Like It 2026 poster
This fresh and original take reframes the classic work by bringing the action forward to the year 1994. The magical Forest of Arden, traditionally a place of sanctuary and natural freedom, is brilliantly reimagined as the site of a free party.
This is Shakespeare infused with the raw, exhilarating energy of the 1990s rave culture, evoking the freedom and liberated expression that defined the time. The exiled court finds new hope and new revelry in the exhilaration of this rebellious setting.
Follow the journey of Rosalind, who, disguised as the young man Ganymede, uses this new freedom to test the love of Orlando while simultaneously undertaking her own profound journey of self-discovery. This youthful, vibrant, and incredibly relevant adaptation powerfully demonstrates that even amidst times of societal strife and uncertainty, love and creative expression can open doors to fundamentally rethinking our place in the world.
This production marks SYT’s first-ever staging of As You Like It and provides a crucial platform for Shropshire’s aspiring young actors to perform a cornerstone of world theatre in a bold new way. We encourage everyone to support this dynamic local venture.
Performance Details: The production runs from Tuesday 24 – Thursday 26 March 2026 at the Walker Theatre, Theatre Severn, a key venue in our county town.
Secure your place in the Forest of Arden and support local talent: Tickets are available now at: https://www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/as-you-like-it
AsYouLikeIt Poster – SYT 2026 performance
