The East London Shakespeare Festival (ELSF) is back in 2025 with its most ambitious production yet, bringing Shakespeare’s timeless comedy As You Like It to outdoor stages across east London and beyond. From 6 June to 3 August, this vibrant adaptation will tour 18 parks and open spaces, combining the Bard’s immortal wit with a contemporary twist that promises fun for all the family.
Following the success of last year’s Much Ado About Nothing and previous hits like A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo & Juliet, this new production reimagines the enchanting Forest of Arden as a lively underground cabaret. It’s a setting full of music, laughter, and discovery, where love stories intertwine with self-exploration, masked identities, and plenty of surprises along the way.
A talented cast and creative team
The cast for this joyous rendition features the double Offie-nominated Emilia Harrild as Rosalind, opposite Luke Martin as Orlando. Supporting them is a stellar company including Ursula Early as Celia, Ethan Dillon as Touchstone, and Blossom Timothy, George Prové, and Charlie Jennings in multiple roles. Newcomer Peggy Barnes joins the company as the 2025 Apprentice actor, playing characters such as le Beau and William.
Behind the scenes, the show is directed and co-produced by ELSF co-founder Rosie Ward, with associate director and co-founder Ursula Early. Lucy Fowler’s imaginative set design contrasts town and forest, while Meg McCarthy’s choreography and Sonum Batra’s original score breathe energy and rhythm into the story. Rosie Ward describes the forest as “a sanctuary for outsiders and nomads, curated as a vibrant underground cabaret scene.”
Commenting on the production, Ward says, “Directing the ELSF summer tour is truly the highlight of my year. As You Like It has everything you could ask for in a Shakespearean comedy – romance, disguise, and extraordinary characters finding parts of themselves through their alter egos. We’re fortunate to have an amazing cast and creative team to bring this story to life, and I can’t wait to share it with audiences this summer.”
A festival that welcomes everyone
What makes ELSF productions truly special is the festival-style atmosphere that encourages audiences to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Gates open an hour before the show, with pre-show workshops and craft activities for children, making it a wonderful day out for families. Bring a picnic, settle under the summer sky, and get ready to laugh, cry, and cheer as Shakespeare’s forest comes alive in your local park.
The festival also incorporates an extensive community engagement programme, giving locals the chance to get involved behind the scenes or onstage. This commitment to community, along with the inclusive, family-friendly format of its shows, has made ELSF a much-loved highlight of east London’s cultural calendar.
How to book your tickets
With its high-energy performances, comedic slapstick, and opportunities for audience participation, As You Like It offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a Shakespeare enthusiast or coming to the Bard for the first time, ELSF’s productions are guaranteed to entertain and inspire.
For tickets and further information, visit www.elsf.uk. Don’t miss this perfect summertime celebration of love, laughter, and discovery in the open air!
Here is the whole season:
Performances:
Higham Hill Hub (previews), 06 – 08 June
Hoxton Community Gardens, 12 – 13 June
Highams Park, 14 – 15 June
Lloyd Park, Walthamstow, 19 – 22 June (BSL-interpreted performance at 3pm on Saturday 21 June)
Central Park, Newham, 26 & 27 June
Alexandra Palace, Haringey, 28 June
Riverside East, Stratford, 29 June
Springfield Park, Clapton, 04 July
Wanstead Park, Redbridge 05 – 06 July
Crystal Palace Park, 12 – 13 July
Clissold Park, Hackney, 17 – 20 July
Lauderdale House, Highgate, 23 – 24 July
Valentines Park, Ilford, 25 July
Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 26 – 27 July
Charterhouse Square, Barbican 31 July
Langthorne Amphitheatre, Leytonstone, 01 August
Leyton Jubilee Park, 02 August
Big Penny Social, Walthamstow, 03 August
Gunnersbury Park, Ealing 27 and 28 August