ALL the world’s a stage for open-air company Illyria as they stage Shakespeare’s riotous comedy As You Like It at the Sherborne’s Castle Gardens.

The anarchic love story is widely considered to be one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies and offers the perfect opportunity for countryside escapism. When Rosalind and Orlando are banished from court, they are forced to run for their lives into the depths of the Forest of Arden, but in the wilderness they discover an unexpected freedom.

Alfresco company Illyria will be returning to the walled garden at Castle Gardens for the fourth year running for the performance on Wednesday July 17.

Illyria Director Oliver Gray said: “It’s an absolutely amazing place, the gardens are beautiful and provide an idyllic and enclosed setting.

“Open air really breaks down the formality of theatre and it is actually much more true to Shakespeare’s original work as he wrote for smaller troupes touring around the countryside.”

The minute cast of five members will be performing the entire play uncut, an impressive feat considering the original script has at least 25 characters.

Oliver said: “I have to cast a very special kind of actor, as they must have a big voice and be able to project with a bold performance style.”

“This is the third time we have put on As You Like It and each time you tackle it, it seems like a completely new play.

“I think as you grow and mature you gradually see the play from a completely different angle.”

The director decided to focus on the heartache in the story and the more poignant side of the famous comedy.

Oliver said: “The production shows the characters desperately in love, it gets incredibly intense and they even start howling in frustration.”

Come rain or shine, the show will go on for the touring open-air company.

Oliver said: “We carry on even when it’s torrential rain, the only time we temporarily stop is when there is thunder and lightning because the sound is drowned out.

“It often provides comedy because the plays are full of references to weather, so when the actual weather is doing the opposite of the script it can be quite funny.”

The production forms part of a nationwide tour and the company will also be performing 10 shows in the Netherlands. Tickets are now on sale from Castle Gardens in Sherborne and online via www.illyriatheatre.co.uk