As You Like It

A BBC Radio Shakespeare production

By: William Shakespeare

Narrated by: David Morrissey, Full Cast, Helena Bonham Carter, Natasha Little

In this BBC full-cast production of As You Like It, Rosalind is banished from the Royal court, heartbroken over Orlando. Will the two find a way to reunite?

A comedy of wit, disguise and love, Shakespeare's tale about the enchanted world of the Forest of Arden remains as moving as it is funny.

Helena Bonham Carter stars as Rosalind, with David Morrissey as Orlando and Natasha Little as Celia.

BBC radio has a unique heritage when it comes to Shakespeare. Since 1923, when the newly-formed company broadcast its first full-length play, generations of actors and producers have honed and perfected the craft of making Shakespeare to be heard.

In this acclaimed BBC Radio Shakespeare series, each play is introduced by Richard Eyre, former Director of the Royal National Theatre. Revitalised, original and comprehensive, this is Shakespeare for the modern day.

© and (P)2000 BBC Worldwide Ltd

FANTASTIC!

As always (and I mean always) the BBC Radio Shakespeare knocks another performance right outta the park! I adore these performances, and As You Like It is one of my favorites. Helena Bonham Carter is a superstar, and the entire performance leaves nothing to be desired. If you haven't discovered this performance series, you should!!!

Loved it!

My biggest complaint with BBC radio Shakespeare is their modernizing of the bard's songs and I'm not a big fan of their background music either. As You Like It though is tolerable enough in both of these areas, I personally would prefer something more authentic but it is good for what it is. The biggest draw to this production is Helena Bonham Carter who I thought was fabulous, who wouldn't fall in love with her Rosalind. More than any of the other BBC comedies this is one I eagerly look forward to listening to again and again.

fun but not great for school

heavily edited! not great for studying but very enjoyable if you are reading for fun!

Entertaining but not unabridged

This is a well-done production in terms of characterization of Rosalind and Orlando. I was disappointed however that it is not unabridged as is indicated on the Amazon website. This made it difficult for students to listen to as they followed along in their own copy of the play.

Another Masterpiece of Shakespeare from BBC Radio

The BBC Dramatized audiobook of William Shakespeare's "As You Like It" is a vibrant and engaging adaptation that brings the classic comedy to life in a new and dynamic way. With a talented cast, including Helena Bonham Carter, this audiobook provides a refreshing experience for both newcomers to the play and seasoned Shakespeare enthusiasts.

The audiobook captures the essence of the play's comedic elements, romantic entanglements, and witty dialogue through its stellar cast of actors. The characters come to life with distinct voices and expressive performances, allowing listeners to easily differentiate between the various personalities and their interactions. The use of multiple voices enhances the audiobook's dramatic impact, creating an immersive experience that transports listeners to the Forest of Arden and the world of the play.

The production's attention to detail extends to the background sounds, music, and ambient effects that enrich the storytelling. These elements contribute to the audiobook's immersive quality, creating a sense of being present in the scenes and adding depth to the overall experience.

While the audiobook's dramatized format enhances the enjoyment of the play, it might also pose a challenge for those unfamiliar with Shakespearean language. Some listeners may need to adjust to the pace of the dialogue and the nuances of the language, but the engaging performances help mitigate any potential difficulties.

In conclusion, the BBC Dramatized audiobook of "As You Like It" is a delightful adaptation that offers a fresh take on Shakespeare's comedy. The combination of talented actors, immersive soundscapes, and dynamic performances creates a captivating rendition that captures the play's humor, romance, and timeless appeal. For those looking to experience Shakespeare's work in an accessible and engaging format, this audiobook is a highly recommended choice.

Sources:
- Shakespeare, W. (1623). As You Like It.
- BBC Dramatized audiobook edition..