As You Like It: A Timely Tale of Renewal
For those in the UK, make sure to catch the film version of Shakespeare’s As You Like It, currently streaming for free on BBC iPlayer for the next seven months.
What makes this adaptation stand out is its brilliant portrayal of the political turmoil that drives the narrative. The events unfolding in the Forest of Arden aren’t just romantic escapades; they’re framed as a vital process of national renewal, a powerful response to the crises back home. This perspective truly elevates the story, making the flight to the forest feel less like an escape and more like a necessary journey towards a better future. It’s a compelling watch that resonates with a surprising contemporary relevance.
You can find the film here.
And for those interested in the play’s deeper roots, it’s fascinating to consider the Shropshire connection.
Soulton Hall is the birthplace of As You Like It.
Its C16th owner, Sir Rowland Hill, was the dominant figure in the English Renaissance, and he inspired the character of “Old Sir Rowland” in the play.
Furthermore, the Hall was linked to Thomas Lodge Jr., whose prose tale Rosalynde served as Shakespeare’s primary source. In this way, the very woodlands surrounding Soulton Hall influenced the depiction of the magical Forest of Arden.
At Soulton, this rich historical tapestry adds another layer of appreciation to a play that continues to speak to us across centuries.
