The echoes of 1990s rave culture have barely faded from the ancient landscape of Soulton Hall following the Shropshire Youth Theatre’s (SYT) historic performance on May 8th.
This was a milestone event: the first-ever recorded performance of the play on the very ground that breathes life into its history.
To ensure this “homecoming” is preserved with the dignity it deserves, we have taken the step of making the production programme a formal deposit item in the national legal deposit libraries (such as the Bodleian where it is catalogued here) and The Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon. We understand the British Library has requested a working script from the performance to go along with the program.
A Vision by Shropshire Youth Theatre
It is important to note that the creative direction of this production was entirely the work of the Shropshire Youth Theatre. This adaptation was influenced by the cast members themselves, who brought the concept of rave culture into the foreground through their own reflections on the era during their sessions. This production showcased the company’s commitment to placing young people at the forefront, allowing them to explore their talents as choreographers, fight captains, and performers.
Why We Are Archiving This Moment
Soulton Hall’s connection to the play is deep and multifaceted:
The Family Link: Sir Rowland Hill, the “Old Sir Rowland” invoked in the play, was a cousin to Mary Arden, Shakespeare’s mother.
The Source of Inspiration: Soulton was acquired by Sir Rowland Hill from the father of Thomas Lodge, whose prose tale Rosalynde served as the primary source for Shakespeare’s play.
A Sanctuary Restored: In the 1550s, the Soulton woods provided a sanctuary during political upheaval—a context mirrored by Duke Senior’s exile to the Forest of Arden
The Company of 2026
While a full list of the company has not been published until now, this archival deposit ensures that the creative energy of these young performers is etched into the historical record. We are pleased to share the full company list, including the personal pronouns as they appeared in the programme:
The Cast
Orlando: Sam Bruton (he/him)
Adam: Evan Stephens (he/him)
Oliver: Josiah Iddon (he/him)
Denise: Corin Hehir Foy
Charles The Wrestler: Teddy Shoosmith (he/him)
His Manager: Millicent Williams (she/her)
Rosalind:Matilda Boughton (she/her)
Celia: Ella Jones (they/he/she)
Touchstone:Seth Richards (he/him)
Le Beau: Rosie Long (she/her)
Duke Frederick / Duke Senior: Joe Holland (he/him)
Amiens: Eva Butele (she/her)
Lord to Duke Senior: Finn D (he/him)
Lord to Duke Frederick: Milly Long (she/her)
Corin: Valerie Egerton (she/her)
Silvius: Oscar Boughton (he/him)
Jaques: Hamish Findlay (he/him)
Olivia Martext: Gwen Murray (she/her)
William: Harry Heyes (he/him)
Audrey: Chloe Wrench (she/her)
Phoebe: Abbie O’Shea (she/her)
Jaques de Boys: David Ayton (he/him)
Hymen: Alexis Uttley (she/her)
Raver: Morgan Ashton (he/him)
The Production Team
Director: Lisa Morris (she/her)
Fight Choreographer: Connor Monroe (he/him)
Youth Fight Captain: Alexis Uttley (she/her)
Youth Dance Choreographer: Cat May (she/her)
Youth Stage Management: Cat May (she/her)
Sound Design: Tilly Hughes (she/her)
Song of the Forest: Composed by Fyfe Irwin
Costume Design: Aoife Findlay (she/her),
Hair Make-up Design: Caroline Howells (she/her),
Production Assistant Ellie Rivett (she/her)
Youth Make-up Artist: Izzy Edwards (she/her)
A Legacy for the Future
Setting the play in 1994 allowed the cast to explore the “creative urgency” of rave culture—a time when the freedom of outdoor parties was about to be permanently altered. This act of archiving ensures that the “sermons in stones” and the vibrant work of SYT remain accessible for centuries to come.
May 8, 2026, the Shropshire Youth Theatre ensemble makes history by returning As You Like It to the very landscape and family home of the figures who inspired its creation
It is a celebration of heritage, youth, and the enduring power of a story that has finally found its way home.
We dedicate this record to the memory of Dr. Christothea Constantinou-Williams, a brilliant teacher and friend who remains in our thoughts – and to “all true lovers”.
