As You Like It (In rep until Sept 1)

A theatre company that can stage Hamlet in a car factory is obviously capable of anything, and Creation Theatre's production of As You Like It in the grounds of Magdalen College School is no disappointment.

With Christ Church meadow and the river as a backdrop, it is easy to imagine that you are really in the Forest of Arden, that Arcadian state of rest and relaxation, a welcome respite from the artificial language, hatreds and rivalries of the court.

But Shakespearean purists may purse their lips a little at the opening song-and-dance routine, played with raincoats and umbrellas whose purpose never quite becomes clear. Perhaps it is raining at court? There must be a point here about the weather, as soon the deckchairs and shorts come out and we join the good Duke and his merry band in the forest.

The winter wind certainly blows less bitter than usual in this production, where the Bard meets Dennis Potter as the cast break off from the iambic pentameters and launch into popular songs that seem so authentic that I had to check the programme to find out what they were.

In fact, they have been written specially by pop composer Peter King and the cast certainly enjoy themselves, changing costumes and parts as they sing and dance their way along.

They also take liberties with the story, replacing the court wrestling match with a fight between Orlando and his bad brother Oliver. Generally, the eight-strong cast rises to the challenge with aplomb, although the small numbers mean there are only three of the Duke's "Robin Hood" band to welcome the weary travellers lost in the forest. It is also disappointing to lose Touchstone's marriage to Audrey, which obviously cannot take place at the same time as Phebe's and Silvius's, since Sarah Corbett plays both Phebe and Audrey.

However, like all good interpretations of Shakespeare, this one throws new light on the words, emphasising that emotions like love and hate are common to both courtiers and shepherds and no less real when they are expressed in common language. When Phebe takes out a copy of Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus, we know exactly how she feels and Shakespeare is brought bang up to date.

Alison Pettitt is the star of the evening, with a Rosalind who coos, moons and swoons in a totally believable way. Kate Copeland hits just the right note with a Celia who looks on with dismay as Ganymede/Rosalind disgraces her sex while dressed up as a boy, mixed with admiration as she wheedles out Orlando's true feelings.

Justin Webb plays four parts with complete mastery - both Dukes, the old servant Adam and the peasant William, cuckolded by a contemptuous Touchstone. Ben Fox, another star of the evening, also plays Amiens, whose Grey Skies Turn Blue duet with Phebe is almost enough to cheer up poor melancholy Jacques.

As You Like It continues in repertory with Romeo and Juliet until Saturday. See listings for box office details.

MAGGIE HARTFORD