Whats On Production The Tempest (2001)
13th September


From the Editor's Desk

Shirley Valentine Show

From the Editor's Desk

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The Tempest (2001)

Directed By
Damien de Roche

Production Co-ordinator
Claire Derriman
Production Type
Nomads Production

Production Location
Main Theatre


Genre: Drama / Shakespeare Turnout: 66%

User Rating: (3.8/5 with 7 votes)

Description:
The Tempest ~ A Synopsis

Prospero, a sorcerer and the rightful Duke of Milan, dwells on an enchanted isle with his daughter, Miranda. Twelve years earlier, the dukes brother, Antonio, and Alonso, the King of Naples, conspired to usurp his throne. ... [more]


Production Dates & Prices:
(Please note Booking Information)

 Date
Time
Price
 
 Tuesday 8th May 2001
8:00pm
 Wednesday 9th May 2001
8:00pm
 Thursday 10th May 2001
8:00pm
 Friday 11th May 2001
8:00pm
 Saturday 12th May 2001
8:00pm


Cast: (in programme order)
Paul Anderson ... Alonso
Tim Spencer ... Sebastian
Colin Swift ... Prospero
Stuart Freeman ... Antonio
Rob Bryant ... Ferdinand
Peter Forbes ... Gonzalo
Tristan Carter ... Caliban
Paul Evans ... Trinculo
Wally Ross Gower ... Stephano
Antonia Farino ... Miranda
Sarah Phillpot ... Ariel
Naomi Brandon-Jones ... Iris
Elizabeth Eaton ... Ceres
Lucy Barker ... Juno

Crew: (in programme order)
Damien de Roche ... Director
Claire Derriman ... Production Co-ordinator
Andrew Nice ... Stage Manager
Roger Brandon-Jones ... Deputy Stage Manager
Roger Brandon-Jones ... Set Design
Gordon Hilliker ... Set Painting
Tom Thomas ... Set Painting
Stuart Bangs ... Stage Crew
Claire Derriman ... Stage Crew
Helen Longes ... Stage Crew
Tim Williams ... Sound Operator
Paul Le Blanc Smith ... Properties
Tim Ely ... Properties
Hilary Swift ... Costume Design
Carol White ... Make-Up Artist
Phillip Griffith ... Poster and Programmes
Joan Partridge ... Prompt
Patricia Yehia ... Front of House Manager
Dianne Bamber ... Box Office


Act1:
Scene 1 On a ship at sea
Scene 2 The Enchanted Island
Act2:
Scene 1 Another part of the Island
Scene 2 Changes to another part of the Island

Act3:
Scene 1 Prospero's Cell
Scene 2 The other part of the Island
Scene 3 Changes again to another part of the Island
Act4:
Scene 1 Prospero's Cell
Scene 2 Prospero's Cell


Official Review:
The Tempest Review
From the moment the curtains opened on the Nomads production of The Tempest, it was obvious that this was to be a magical evening fully reflecting the fantastical elements of Shakespeare's work. With the ship's crew played overtly by the spirits and Ariel clinging to the swaying mast of the storm tossed ship, it was immediately apparent, even to those unfamiliar with the play, that the storm was not purely the work of nature. This clever staging, in addition to the skilful editing of the play from a four hour marathon to a pacey 2 hour entertainment, was the work of talented director Damien de Roche. Damien shows an innate sensitivity to the bard's original work, combined with an awareness of the difficulties that Shakespeare poses for audiences in the twenty-first century, that made The Tempest a joy to behold.

Choosing to costume the piece in modern clothing gave great scope to emphasise not only the humour of the play, but to differentiate between island dwellers and others: for example, the "baddies", Sebastian and Antonio, were portrayed as slick Mafia types and were convincingly played by Tim Spencer and Stuart Freeman respectively. Special congratulations are due to Stuart as this is his first time on stage. Let us hope it won't be his last. Hilary Swift, costume designer, must be especially commended for the rustic yet ethereal spirits costumes; the silvery, magical outfitting of Ariel and the grotesque, subhuman body suit of Caliban.

The set, designed by Roger Brandon-Jones, was deceptively simple in principle but was. in reality, a complex structure of pods linked together to represent, when revolved, different areas of the island and incorporating a running stream. The use of Paul Williamson's lighting effectively created atmosphere from the brightly illuminated beach areas to the dim, watery lair of Caliban and the magic of Prospero, Ariel and the spirits. Tim Williams' sound enhanced the overall production and came into its own by producing the harsh, metallic voice of Ariel as the harpy, giving warning to Prospero's enemies.

It seems almost unfair to mention individual performances in a production that was very much an ensemble piece, but Colin Swift must be credited for his solid performace as Prospero, depicting the character's strength whilst maintaining the audience's sympathy - so central to the workings of the play. Tristan Carter's Caliban was a joy to watch as Tristan emphasised the animalistic tendencies of this island creature, crouching for the duration of the performance. Rob Bryant and Antonio de Roche maybe delightful lovers as Ferdinand and Miranda and Sarah Phillpot was superb as the obedient bu strong-willed Ariel. Wally Ross Gower and Paul Evans provided light relief as Stephano, the drunken butler, and Trinculo, the jester. In the spirit of modernisation Damien de Roche transformed the role of jester into camp courtier, which Paul Evans, complete with foppish handkerchief, played with relish and much humour.

In every wasy this was a marvellous evening's entertainment. Congratulations are due to all involved for proving that Shakespeare can be fresh and vibrant now as it was in Jacobean times.


Recommendations:
The Tempest
York Notes Advanced on "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare
The Tempest
The Tempest


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