“All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, …”
(Act II, Scene VII)

“men have died from time to time and worms have eaten them, but not for love.”
(Act 4, Sc. I)

"… can one desire too much of a good thing?"
(Act IV, Sc. I)

“… I like this place. And willingly could waste my time in it.”
(Act II, Scene IV)

As you like it
"As You Like It" is one of Shakespeare’s best-loved plays, perhaps due to the exploration of love in many different aspects, through five main relationships: Rosalind and Celia; Rosalind and Orlando; Celia and Oliver; Phebe and Silvius; Audrey and Touchstone.

Duke Senior and his court, having been overthrown by Duke Senior’s brother Frederick, have retired to the Forest of Arden. Rosalind, Duke Senior’s daughter, is still at the new court when the play starts, staying with her friend and cousin, Celia. She meets Orlando, and falls in love with him, before being banished by Duke Frederick. She and Celia decide to run away to the Forest of Arden with Touchstone, the Duke’s clown. Orlando is also having family problems, and independently decides to go to the Forest of Arden.

In the Forest, Rosalind re-meets Orlando; Touchstone falls in love with Audrey; we meet a local couple (Phebe and Silvius, who need some serious relationship counselling); and Celia meets and falls in love with Oliver. Confusion abounds, but it all ends happily, with a mass wedding as a finale, and Duke Senior restored to his dukedom.


Helpful links
Eastgate Theatre & Arts Centre
Map of Traquair House
Local accommodation - ReceptionBell.com