Jonathan Groff to Star in RSC’s As You Like It in Stratford

Name: As You Like It
Start: 2026-09-26
End: 2026-11-07
Location: Royal Shakespeare Theatre

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-20 13:18 2 min read

Portrait of a man with curly hair looking thoughtful in black and white.

Tony Award-winning Broadway actor Jonathan Groff is set to make his debut with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) this autumn. Groff will lead an all-male cast in a new production of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, directed by RSC Co-Artistic Director Daniel Evans. The production is scheduled to run at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from Saturday, 26 September, through Saturday, 7 November 2026, with a press night confirmed for Tuesday, 6 October.

Cast and Creative Vision

In this reimagined production, Jonathan Groff takes on the role of Rosalind. He is joined by Fisayo Akinade, who plays Celia, and Elliot Barnes-Worrell in the role of Orlando. The staging features a notable dual-role performance from Gary Wilmot, who will portray both Duke Frederick and Duke Senior. The wider company includes RSC Associate Artist Richard McCabe as Jaques and Greg Haiste as Touchstone.

Director Daniel Evans has described the production as a joyful exploration of Shakespeare’s comedy, emphasizing the need for a versatile company capable of balancing wit, song, and physical performance. The creative team behind the production includes Set Designer Anisha Fields, Costume Designer Colin Richmond, and Lighting Designer Ryan Day, with music supervised by Theo Jamieson.

Plot and Context

The play follows the story of Rosalind, who is banished from the court of Duke Frederick. Before her departure, she and Orlando fall in love. Seeking refuge in the Forest of Arden with her cousin Celia, Rosalind disguises herself as a young man named Ganymede. The narrative unfolds as Orlando, also fleeing to the forest, encounters Ganymede and begins to woo him, unaware of Rosalind’s true identity. Evans notes that the production aims to invite audiences into the Forest of Arden to explore the transformational power of love.

Jonathan Groff to Star in RSC’s As You Like It in Stratford

Booking and Practical Information

Tickets for the production are available starting at £10. The Royal Shakespeare Company provides various discounts for specific groups, including those over 65, disabled patrons and their carers, families, and school or college groups.

Patrons can book tickets directly through the official RSC website or by contacting the box office. The company advises that mobile and e-tickets are issued via email no earlier than seven days prior to the performance date. For those requiring specific accessibility arrangements, the RSC offers assisted performances on selected dates; visitors are encouraged to consult the official schedule on the RSC website to confirm availability and specific accessibility options.

Source: Royal Shakespeare Company Press Releases

Context & actions About this article

Source check Verified Press Release

This preview is based on the official casting and scheduling announcement released by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

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