Media Release
CAST ANNOUNCED FOR CANBERRA’S SHAKESPEARE BY THE LAKES
After an audition process made even more challenging than usual courtesy of Covid-19, the cast for SBTL IV (Shakespeare by the Lakes #4) has been announced.
The 2022 production of “As You Like It”, directed by former NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) head of acting Tony Knight, will boast a company of 13.
The beloved pastoral romantic comedy, which features the immortal quotation “All the world’s a stage”, will be staged at venues around Canberra next February and March.
The part of Rosalind, often considered one of Shakespeare’s most delightful heroines, will be played by Natasha Vickery.
Her “love interest”, Orlando will be played by Jake Fryer-Hornsby.
Among the returning SBTL alumni is Katerina Smalley, who will be kept busy with three roles: Amiens, Hymen and Madam Oli Martext.
Katerina was part of the production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in 2020.
“Performing Shakespeare at non-traditional venues is amazing,” she said.
“Whether it’s in the round in the open air or up close and personal at a pub, you are so connected to the audience – it’s quite the buzz!”
Katerina is also part of the production team that’s been preparing for SBTL IV since mid-year.
“I am going to be busy on and off stage, but after Covid that’s a challenge I am happy to take on!”
The cast will meet for a readthrough and discussion of the text using Zoom later this month, with full face-to-face rehearsals set for early in the New Year.
Opening night will be in mid-February.
“As the cast get up to speed with the play, our production team is finalising the performance schedule,” Executive Producer Taimus Werner-Gibbings said.
“There will be at least five free shows around Canberra, we are hoping we find the budget for one or two more!”
SBTL began in 2018, inspired by New York’s free Shakespeare in the Park.
Since then, it has staged Much Ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
“Canberrans have supported us from the get-go with donations and by turning up in their thousands to experience Shakespeare in a way like no other in Australia,” said Mr Werner-Gibbings.
“We need their support more than ever for our 2022 season – the most ambitious so far – as the city emerges from Covid-19”.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
- Lakespeare & Co is an independent theatre company founded by Taimus Werner-Gibbings, Duncan Driver, Lexi Sekuless and Paul Leverenz. The company presents a free summer Shakespeare season called Shakespeare by the Lakes (SBTL), boutique events such as Shakespeare Down the Pub and bespoke and immersive performances at corporate dinners.
CONTACTS:
- Taimus Werner-Gibbings: [mobile on request] (Executive Producer)
- Katerina Smalley: [mobile on request] (Cast member)
- Andrew Bell: [mobile on request] (Media enquiries)
Contacts can be requested via Facebook where you will receive a prompt response.
SBTL IV: As You Like It CAST
Cast List
Rosalind ………………………………………………………….…….. Natasha Vickery
Celia ………………………………………………………………………. Ylaria Rogers
Duchesses ..……………………………………………………….….. Heidi Silberman
Orlando …………………………………………………………….….. Jake Fryer-Hornsby
Jacques …………………………………………………………………. Karen Vickery
Amiens, Hymen & Madam Olive Martext ……………… Katerina Smalley
Touchstone …………………………………………………………… Shae Kelly
Oliver ……………………………………………………………………. Alex Hoskinson
Phoebe …………………………………………………………………. Abbey Morgan
Silvius ……………………………………………………………………. Lachlan Herring
Adam, William ………………………………………………………. Ryan Street
Charles, Corin ……………………………………………………….. Max Gambale
Director: Tony Knight
Choreography: Annette Sharpe
Music Composer: Jay Cameron
