The Tempest - What Country Friends is This?

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:

27 April 2012

The Tempest (RSC) The Tempest is an enigmatic play and almost impossible to pin it down but David Farr’s elegant and melancholic production does much engages with both the play and the audience to often brilliant effect.

His deeply considered production uses the simplest of means to convey some very subtle moments of emotion and shifts in tone. He exploits the Royal Shakespeare Theatre to the fullest – delivering the magic of the play with often breath-taking audacity.

Jonathan Slinger is magnificent as Prospero. His is a mercurial interpretation: he switches mood from stern, chiding school teacher to playful manipulator with consummate skill. He is very contained and precise, using his voice with pinpoint accuracy to make every line count. It is really a performance that makes you view the character with fresh eyes. He alone makes the production worth seeing.

Also excellent are Sandy Grierson as a...

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Latest User Review

Iris - 8 September 2012:

We were very disappointed with this production, we both found the actors very difficult to hear. Poor scenery compared to previous productions. The legroom on our seats J55/54 was so bad that we had to sit sideways. Such a badexperience overall that we left at the interval.. Thank goodness we had an excellent meal in the restaurant....

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