MEMBERS of Sinodun Players have turned to the Bard for their latest production.

They will be performing William Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy As You Like It at the Corn Exchange, Wallingford, from Tuesday to Saturday, July 10 to 14, at 7.45pm.

Featuring one of Shakespeare’s most often quoted speeches ‘All the world’s a stage’, As You Like It follows its heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle’s court, accompanied by her cousin Celia and court jester Touchstone to find safety and eventually love in the Forest of Arden.

Directed for the Players by Chris Harris, the production features Samantha Fields as Rosalind, Jennamarie Smith as Celia and Joel L Webster as Orlando — they are pictured rehearsing for their roles in Wallingford’s Castle Gardens.

Director Chris said: “Those who think Shakespeare is not for them should take a chance and join those of us who love him dearly for an evening to lift the spirit. Shakespeare is for everyone. It certainly was in his day when lords, ladies and roadsweepers would attend the same shows and be entertained by his crudity and his sophistication.”

Pete Orton, local comic songwriter and entertainer, is looking after the music.

“We are very lucky to have Pete working with on this,” said Chris. “There are a lot of songs including I Was A Lover And His Lass.”

Tickets for the opening Tuesday night are £8 and then £10 for the remainder of the run. They are available from the Corn Exchange box office on 01491 825000 or online at www.cornexchange.org.uk