This weekend, Braeburn School’s theatre in Lavington transforms into the Forest of Arden — that wild, whimsical world where Shakespeare’s As You Like It finds new life as a joyous musical celebration.
Originally adapted by New York composer and lyricist Shaina Taub with director Laurie Woolery for the Public Theater’s Public Works project, and described by top U.S. entertainment magazine Variety as a “glorious, delightful and big-hearted” production, As You Like It: The Musical reimagines Shakespeare’s beloved pastoral comedy as a lush, inclusive folk-pop musical about love, identity, and belonging. The songs are melodic and contemporary, filled with the kind of harmonies and heart that make audiences sway, laugh, and maybe even tear up a little (hop over to Braeburn Theatre’s Instagram for a taster of the magical songs!)
Glorious, delightful and big-hearted – This version of As You Like It reimagines the pastoral comedy as a lush, inclusive folk-pop musical.”
As You Like It is considered to be one of Shakespeare’s finest comedies and Braeburn Theatre is making it even more accessible for audiences. This is a family-friendly musical suitable for all ages. Its got something for everyone: villainy, romance, humor and (spoiler alert!) a happy ending.
Darya Burgess as Rosalind
For those who need a quick refresher – The setting is France. The play begins with the close friendship of two young cousins, Rosalind and Celia. The play follows Rosalind, a young woman who is banished from court. Disguised as a boy she flees to the Forest of Arden with Celia.
In the forest, identities blur, hearts open, and a series of delightful mix-ups lead everyone toward self-discovery in this comedy. The musical version amplifies that transformation, weaving together themes of love, forgiveness, and the quiet beauty of chosen community.
At Braeburn, this production brings together a cast of talented students who embody the spirit of community that Taub’s version celebrates. Expect music that bubbles with youthful energy, choreography that feels both modern and rooted, and a production that captures the play’s enduring message: that when we step out of the rigid roles of everyday life, we can rediscover who we are.
The cast in rehearsal
The story unfolds with warmth and wit and the students’ performance brings a distinctly Nairobi vibrancy to Shakespeare’s text with a sense of playfulness and freedom that feels exactly right for this city and its young performers.
There’s something infectious about this adaptation — the way music replaces monologue, the way dance replaces formality. It’s Shakespeare without stiffness; theatre that invites you to hum along. By the end, the forest doesn’t feel far away — it feels like a mirror to ourselves, to our need for joy, connection, and reinvention. Let As You Like It and the Forest of Arden remind you, just for a night, that all the world really is a stage.
As You Like It: The Musical runs from Thursday 6th to Saturday 8th November at Braeburn School, Gitanga Road, Lavington.
Tickets are available at theatres.braeburn.com/events.