SHAKESPEARE'S hilarious romp in the Forest of Arden, As You Like It, has opened at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford.

The final play in the RSC's comedy season, the play is a convoluted tale of feuding within and between families, love, exile, disguise and eventual reparation and happiness.

Directed by RSC Associate Director Dominic Cooke, whose most recent production for the company was last year's Macbeth, the play stars Lia Williams and Amanda Harris in the two central female roles of Rosalind and Celia.

Lia Williams makes her RSC debut as "Fair Rosalind." She has performed numerous stage roles and her television work includes a BAFTA nomination for her role in May 33rd.

Amanda Harris recently won an Olivier Award for her role as Emilia in Gregory Doran's Othello for the RSC and she is currently playing Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Her TV credits include Touch of Frost, Take Me Home and The Vice.

The play runs in repertoire until October.

Details of performances and ticket bookings are available from the box office on 0870 609 1110 or from www.rsc.org.uk