Oscar-nominated actor Elliot Page will be introducing an all-new production of Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ this July, featuring an entirely trans and non-binary cast and creative team.
Page has partnered with the United Kingdom-based theater company Trans What You Will for the production.
He will make an appearance from New York on July 24 — the night before London Trans+ Pride — to launch the play, which is set to run from July 22 to 24 at The Space Theatre.
This staging of ‘As You Like It’ will be livestreamed globally. Tickets are now available for the performances and livestream.
A matinee show has been reserved exclusively for LGBTQ+ under-25s and youth organizations in London.
Why ‘As You Like It’?
‘As You Like It’ tells the story of Rosalind, who assumed a male identity named Ganymede upon escaping to the Forest of Arden.
There, she formed a friendship while in her male disguise with her love interest, Orlando.
“Shakespeare wrote characters who defy easy categories long before we had language for it – and that feels as relevant now as it ever has,” said Page, who came out as a transgender man in 2020.
“Trans What You Will is proving that these stories have always belonged to us, and I’m honoured to support that work. Can’t wait to share this with an audience,” he added, as quoted by The Mirror.
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The new production will be directed by Phoebe Kemp, who also directed Trans What You Will’s debut staging of ‘Twelfth Night’.
“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,” said Kemp.
“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!”
Taking queer Shakespeare outside the UK
The 2026 production comes after Trans What You Will’s success with a rehearsed reading of ‘Twelfth Night’ opened by none other than Sir Ian McKellen in July 2025.
It sold over 2,300 tickets and raised £8,000 for trans charity Not A Phase.
In order to broaden its reach, the company will stage ‘Twelfth Night’ in Barcelona on August 1, and it will be livestreamed in New York alongside ‘As You Like It’, marking Trans What You Will’s first venture outside the UK.
Founded in 2025, Trans What You Will focuses on staging Shakespeare’s work with trans and non-binary performers.
“We believe in the importance, now more than ever, to provide opportunities for those under the trans umbrella to come together and make us laugh and cry and show the world how precious and wonderful gender diversity can be,” the company stated on its website.
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