As Shakespeare said, the play’s the thing, but when that play is presented in a recreation of the Second Globe Theatre, the venue is very much part of its success. Directed by Tom Mallaburn, this production of As You Like It is a joyous romp that takes full advantage of its Elizabethan-style location, creating a theatrical experience that enchants on every level.

Pop-up Globe Melbourne. Photograph © Jay Wennington

Just walking toward the Pop-up Globe is a thrill. Constructed on a rise in parkland adjacent to Melbourne’s Myer Music Bowl, it has the distinctive shape of Shakespeare’s theatre, right down to the flags flying above. To step inside is to be transported; the hearts of audience members with a love of theatre, English literature or history will probably skip a beat. The scaffolding, seats and lighting are modern, but in essence this is the real deal: an apron stage, backed by a permanent set featuring balcony and doors, thrusts out into the open-air pit; three tiers of stadium seating embrace all, extending round to Tudor-esque private boxes overlooking the stage itself.

The box-dwellers, some of whom peep through gracious window frames...