Trans What You Will Theatre is returning with a landmark version of As You Like It
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY CATHERINE OPIE
Elliot Page is set to introduce a landmark all-trans and non-binary production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It this July.
Teaming up with Trans What You Will Theatre, the trans icon will join live from New York to open the premiere of the show on 24 July. This new production follows the success of Trans What You Will Theatre’s debut production in July 2025 of Twelfth Night, opened by Sir Ian McKellen. The production raised £8,000 for trans charity Not a Phase and sold 2,300 tickets.
Speaking about this new production, Elliot said: “Shakespeare wrote characters who defy easy categories long before we had language for it – and that feels as relevant now as it ever has. Trans What You Will is proving that these stories have always belonged to us, and I’m honored to support that work. Can’t wait to share this with an audience.”
This production of As You Like It will take place at The Space Theatre in London, while being live-streamed globally. A production of Twelfth Night will also be staged in Barcelona on 1 August. This will mark the first time the company has taken its work outside of the UK.
Phoebe Kemp, the director of both productions, said: “I am delighted to be back directing another of Shakespeare’s gendery plays for Trans What You Will! I am so excited to dive into all the queerness and gender exploration within As You Like It. The trans community is still facing worsening oppression worldwide, and the opportunity to counter that with joy is an honour. Can’t wait to share with you all what we create!”
For fans of Shakespeare, it will come as no surprise that As You Like It is the perfect choice for this groundbreaking production. The comedy of cross-dressing, mistaken identity and desire unbound by gender makes it the perfect place to celebrate trans identities and voices.
Tickets for evening performances and the global livestream are now live and available on a sliding scale to maximise accessibility. Visit space.org.uk/event/as-you-like-it/ to book.
Remaining matinee seats will be offered via a free lottery for under 25s, following priority allocation to LGBTQIA+ youth organisations across London.
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