Watch BBC Shakespeare: As You Like It

BBC Shakespeare: As You Like It is a classic British television adaptation of William Shakespeare's romantic comedy, which was first published in 1623. This production, which premiered in 1978, features a talented cast of actors, including Helen Mirren, Brian Stirner, Richard Pasco, and Angharad Rees, and was directed by Basil Coleman.

The story is set in both the real world and in the enchanted forest of Arden, where the exiled heroine Rosalind (Helen Mirren) and her cousin Celia (Angharad Rees) have fled. Rosalind, disguised as a man named Ganymede, finds herself falling in love with Orlando (Brian Stirner), who is also on the run from enemies. Meanwhile, other characters such as the wit-cracking Touchstone (Danny Schiller) and the melancholic Jacques (Richard Pasco) add to the humor and depth of the story.

The production is notable for its adherence to the original text of the play and the quality of the performances. Helen Mirren gives a charming and nuanced portrayal of Rosalind, who is both adventurous and vulnerable. Brian Stirner is also convincing as Orlando, who is initially smitten with Rosalind but later is confused and conflicted when Ganymede appears. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, especially during the witty exchanges that Shakespeare is renowned for.

The supporting cast is also strong, with Angharad Rees embodying the quick-witted and loyal Celia, and Richard Pasco being especially memorable as Jacques, with his famous "All the world's a stage" soliloquy. Danny Schiller delivers a hilarious performance as Touchstone, the wise-cracking fool who follows Rosalind and Celia from the court to Arden.

Furthermore, the scenic design and location shooting add to the immersive nature of the production. The realistic depictions of the court's elegance and the forest's magic are both impressive and atmospheric, with the latter featuring a haunting score that enhances the fairy tale ambiance.

Overall, BBC Shakespeare: As You Like It showcases Shakespeare's timeless themes of love, identity, and the complexities of human nature with a cast of talented performers and a well-executed production design. It is an enjoyable and faithful adaptation of the play that is sure to entertain fans of classic literature and drama.

BBC Shakespeare: As You Like It is a 1978 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.