Jonathan Groff to Star as Rosalind in RSC’s All-Male As You Like It
Tony Award-winning Broadway actor Jonathan Groff will make his Royal Shakespeare Company debut playing Rosalind in an all-male production of As You Like It. Directed by RSC co-artistic director Daniel Evans, the show aims to offer a fresh take on Shakespeare’s comedy while opening this autumn in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Jonathan Groff will lead the Royal Shakespeare Company’s new production of As You Like It, playing the central role of Rosalind in an all-male cast. This marks Groff’s first time performing with the RSC and reunites him with the historic Stratford-upon-Avon venue following his 2019 visit to see a gender-swapped Taming of the Shrew. The production runs from 26 September to 7 November, with a press night scheduled for 6 October.
The show is directed by Daniel Evans, the RSC’s co-artistic director, who praised Groff’s ability to connect with audiences through emotional availability and commitment. Evans expressed enthusiasm for presenting Shakespeare’s “most sweet-tempered comedy” in a playful and joyful style, highlighting the play’s celebration of love in all its forms.
Joining Groff as Celia is Fisayo Akinade, with further casting and creative team details yet to be disclosed. The play follows Rosalind, who is banished by Duke Frederick and escapes to the Forest of Arden with Celia, where she falls in love with Orlando.
Groff described his reaction to the role as ecstatic, recounting a candid email exchange with Evans and reflecting on his long-standing admiration for Shakespeare performed at Stratford. He noted the early preparation with Evans and voice director Patsy Rodenburg has already been an exciting part of his artistic journey.
This all-male staging situates the production within a tradition of exploring gender through Shakespearean theatre, inviting fresh conversations about identity while remaining rooted in the original comedy’s themes. The RSC’s announcement forms part of their newly revealed season of shows, continuing the company’s ongoing engagement with classic repertoire and contemporary casting choices.
