IF you think the language of Shakespeare is as dead as the dinosaurs, I suggest you check out the Royal Exchange Theatre’s As You Like It.

Disguised as a male in the idyllic, natural paradise of the Forest of Arden, Rosalind delivers some of her lines in patois as she puts Orlando’s love to the test.

It works really well, with Cush Jumbo (Rosalind) displaying a sense of timing that is positively awe inspiring. There’s a natural, effortless chemistry between her and Orlando, the love sick youth played with a Manchester accent by an eminently likeable Ben Batt.

The formula for Shakespeare’s comedies are breathtakingly simple. Banishment, betrayal, disguise and some clown figures to have a good laugh at all feature in a classic, feel good play that would make even misery guts feel like dancing.

Speaking of clown figures, Ian Bartholemew is a delight as Touchstone who, like many of the Bard’s fools, peppers his quirky philosophy on life with pearls of wisdom. James Clyde is very good value as the walking black cloud Jaques and he delivers the famous “all the world’s a stage” speech with spine tingling impact.

Greg Hersov’s charming and colourful production is an As You Like It for the Glastonbury generation but there’s more than enough to keep everyone entertained. If i have a criticism, it’s that it’s just a little too long.

* Until August 6. The box office is on 0161 833 9833.