Elliot Page to Host 'All-Trans' Shakespeare Production This Summer

The production of 'As You Like It' will feature an all-trans and non-binary cast.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:09pm

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Elliot Page, formerly known as Ellen Page, will be hosting an 'all-trans and non-binary' production of William Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' this summer. The production will be staged by the Trans What You Will Theatre organization and will be live-streamed globally, with Page joining the opening premiere from New York.

Why it matters

This production follows the success of Trans What You Will Theatre's debut production of 'Twelfth Night' in 2025, which raised funds for trans charities and sold over 2,300 tickets. The 'As You Like It' production aims to honor Shakespeare's skill for writing characters who defy easy categories, which the organizers see as particularly relevant to the transgender community.

The details

The 'As You Like It' production will take place at The Space Theatre in London, while also being live-streamed globally. A production of 'Twelfth Night' will also be staged in Barcelona on August 1, marking the first time the company has taken its work outside of the UK. Director Phoebe Kemp said the production will serve to counter the 'oppression' facing the transgender community worldwide.

  • The 'As You Like It' production will premiere on July 24.
  • The 'Twelfth Night' production in Barcelona will take place on August 1.

The players

Elliot Page

Formerly known as Ellen Page, Elliot Page is an actor who will be hosting the 'all-trans and non-binary' production of 'As You Like It'.

Trans What You Will Theatre

A theater organization that is producing the 'As You Like It' and 'Twelfth Night' productions featuring all-trans and non-binary casts.

Phoebe Kemp

The director of both the 'As You Like It' and 'Twelfth Night' productions for Trans What You Will Theatre.

Sir Ian McKellen

An actor who previously opened the Trans What You Will Theatre's debut production of 'Twelfth Night' in 2025.

Not a Phase

A trans charity that benefited from the proceeds of the 2025 'Twelfth Night' production.

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What they’re saying

“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 honored to support that work. Can't wait to share this with an audience.”

— Elliot Page

“I am delighted to be back directing another of Shakespeare's gendery plays for 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!”

— Phoebe Kemp, Director

What’s next

The 'As You Like It' production will premiere on July 24, while the 'Twelfth Night' production in Barcelona will take place on August 1.

The takeaway

This production of 'As You Like It' by an all-trans and non-binary cast, led by Elliot Page, represents an important step in honoring Shakespeare's legacy of writing complex gender-defying characters and providing a platform to counter the ongoing oppression faced by the transgender community.