THEATRE-G'ERS are being given an extra week to see the Royal Exchange's current hit production of the Shakespeare comedy, As You Like It.

Acclaim from critics and audiences has led to brisk Box 'ffice business and the production can now be seen until Saturday August 19.

Shakespeare's enchanting story centres on Rosalind and Celia who have been banished from court.

In fear of their lives, they disguise themselves and seek sanctuary in the Forest of Arden.

The production has been directed by newly-appointed Royal Exchange artistic director Marianne Elliott.

It comes nearly 40 years after her father, Michael Elliott, directed a celebrated Royal Shakespeare production which helped launch the career of Vanessa Redgrave.

Nation and local reviewers have lavished praise on this latest Royal Exchange version, whose cast includes Claire Price as Rosalind and Tristan Sturrock as 'rlando