The Tempest

Synopsis

Prospero, Duke of Milan, his dukedom usurped by his brother Antonio, is put to sea with his daughter Miranda and some magical books smuggled in by his loyal councillor Gonzalo. The sea casts them up on an island where Prospero, exercising his magical powers, makes a home for himself and Miranda. One day a great storm, which Prospero has conjured, breaks up a passing ship and delivers to him the members of his usurping court. Treacherous brother, fellow conspirators and old friend alike come under Prospero's spell. Shakespeare's last play.

Our Review:

Gill Kirk - 28 August 2012

Adrian Noble’s production of The Tempest, first seen at 2011’s San Diego Shakespeare Festival, is one of the most accessible and heart-warming interpretations to come to the modern stage.

Accepted as[Shakespeare’s last work, it shows usurped Duke Prospero and daughter MIranda living on a magical island with spirits and monsters. Twelve years on, Prospero creates a tempest that shipwrecks his usurping brother and the King’s retinue onto the island, allowing him to rebalance the books and marry his daughter to the King’s son. By the end, forgiveness and harmony are the order of the day.

Perhaps nodding to speculation that Shakespeare originally planned a musical, there are several big “numbers” here - songs familiar and new. Like other elements of the production, Shaun Davey’s score is filmic, the music a character in its own right.

Tim Pigott-Smith is a kindly, sympathetic Prospero: a gentle (ra...

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