A London theatre will stage a production of Shakespeare's As You Like It this summer, featuring an entirely trans and non-binary cast.
Trans What You Will is a grassroots theatre company that "believes 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." In July 2025, it put on its first production, a rehearsed reading of Twelfth Night, opened by Sir Ian McKellen and performed on the eve of London Trans+ Pride.
This year, the troupe will perform a full production of As You Like It — Shakespeare's comedy of cross-dressing, mistaken identity and desire unbound by gender — at the Space Theatre on the Isle of Dogs. Running from 22-24 July, it will featuring an all-trans and non-binary cast and creative team.
Things get particularly special on the final night (also the eve of London Trans+ Pride), as the play is livestreamed to a global audience, with an introduction from Elliot Page, star of Juno and Inception.
Says Page: "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 honoured to support that work.
Adds Phoebe Kemp — director of this production, and another of Twelfth Night, to be staged in Barcelona on 1 August by 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!”.
As You Like It runs 22–24 July 2026 at The Space Theatre. Buy in-person tickets, or livestream tickets.
