Jonathan Groff to Lead All-Male ‘As You Like It’ as Royal Shakespeare Company Unveils 2026-27 Season
#Jonathan Groff#Royal Shakespeare Company#As You Like It#Daniel Evans#Fisayo Akinade#2026-27 season#all-male production#RSC debut
📌 Key Takeaways
Jonathan Groff to make RSC debut as Rosalind in all-male 'As You Like It'
Production directed by RSC co-artistic director Daniel Evans
Runs September 26 through November 7, 2026 in Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Groff joined by Fisayo Akinade as Celia
📖 Full Retelling
The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced its 2026-27 season, headlined by Tony Award-winning Broadway star Jonathan Groff making his RSC debut as Rosalind in an all-male staging of Shakespeare's 'As You Like It,' directed by RSC co-artistic director Daniel Evans, with performances running from September 26 through November 7 in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Groff, currently starring in 'Just in Time' at New York's Circle in the Square Theatre, has an extensive Broadway background that includes originating the role of Melchior Gabor in 'Spring Awakening' and Kristoff in Disney's 'Frozen' franchise, as well as winning a Tony Award for his portrayal of Franklin Shepherd in the recent 'Merrily We Roll Along' revival. He will be joined by Fisayo Akinade as Celia, who gained recognition through Russell T. Davies' Channel 4 series 'Cucumber' and 'Banana,' and appeared as Mr. Ajayi in the 2022 Netflix series 'Heartstopper.' The all-male production of 'As You Like It' marks an interesting casting choice given that Rosalind is traditionally played by a female actress, highlighting the Royal Shakespeare Company's continued commitment to innovative interpretations of classic works.
As You Like It is a pastoral comedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1599 and first published in the First Folio in 1623.
As You Like It follows its heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle's court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually,...
Jonathan Drew Groff (born March 26, 1985) is an American actor and singer. Known for his performances on stage and screen, he has received several accolades including a Tony Award and a Grammy Award as well as a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award.
He began his career on Broadway making his debut ...
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is a major British theatre company, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. The company employs more than 1,000 staff and opens around 20 productions a year. The RSC plays regularly in London, Stratford-upon-Avon, and on tours across the UK and intern...
Fisayo Akinade () is an English actor, best known for his roles as Dean Monroe in Cucumber and Banana on Channel 4 and Mr. Ajayi in the Netflix series Heartstopper. Akinade has also done work in theatre, notably portraying Reverend Hale in The Crucible at the National Theatre and Gielgud Theatre in ...
Feb 26, 2026 1:00am PT Jonathan Groff to Lead All-Male ‘As You Like It’ as Royal Shakespeare Company Unveils 2026-27 Season By Naman Ramachandran Plus Icon Naman Ramachandran Latest ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ London West End Production Reveals New Cast 15 hours ago MEP Capital Takes Majority Stake in BondIt Media 18 hours ago Park Min-young, Wi Ha-jun, Kim Jung-hyun on Studio Dragon’s Prime Video Series ‘Siren’s Kiss’: ‘Tension Never Lets Up’ 21 hours ago See All The Royal Shakespeare Company has unveiled its 2026-27 season, headlined by Tony Award-winning Broadway star Jonathan Groff making his RSC debut as Rosalind in an all-male staging of Shakespeare’s “ As You Like It ,” directed by RSC co-artistic director Daniel Evans. Groff, who can currently be seen starring in “Just in Time” at New York’s Circle in the Square Theatre, previously originated the roles of Melchior Gabor in “Spring Awakening” and Kristoff in Disney’s “Frozen” franchise, and claimed his Tony for his portrayal of Franklin Shepherd in the recent “Merrily We Roll Along” revival. He will be joined by Fisayo Akinade as Celia. Akinade earned screen recognition through Russell T. Davies’ Channel 4 series “Cucumber” and “Banana,” and appeared as Mr. Ajayi in the 2022 Netflix series “Heartstopper.” The production runs Sept. 26 through Nov. 7 in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Related Stories UTA Signs 'Lord of the Flies' and HBO's 'Harry Potter' Star Lox Pratt
