“ALL the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely actors”, quoted Jaques in the Worcester Repertory Company’s production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It at the Commandery.

And the actors in this year’s production did very well indeed.

As You Like It tells the story of love, exile and the swinging 60s?!

Orlando hates his older brother, Oliver, who hates him too.

When Orlando wins a wrestling competition Oliver wants him to lose, he flees.

Elsewhere, Rosalind’s father, Duke Senior, has been usurped by his younger brother Duke Frederick (both played by Jonathan Darby), but she is allowed to remain at court because of her close friendship to her cousin Celia (Catherine Standerwick).

When Rosalind is also banished, she and Celia escape together disguised as a man and his sister and Duke Frederick sends Oliver to find them.

Cue mistaken identity and love at first sight as they all meet in the Forest of Arden Benjamin Way was captivating as Orlando, first as the abandoned brother then as the love-sick boy pining for Rosalind and Graeme Brookes was suitably melancholy as Jaques.

The cast was completed by several familiar faces including Fiona McGregor as Rosalind, Liz Grand and Ben Humphrey.

I have to admit I didn’t quite understand the 60s reference, but it made the play more accessible and modernised the story so the audience could relate more to the emotions portrayed - namely Rosalind’s “schoolgirl crush” on Orlando

And the scenery? Well that was fantastic too.

Shakespeare at the Commandery runs until Saturday, June 23.