The Tempest

Old Buckenham celebrated 40 years with your production of ‘The Tempest’.  I was fascinated by the notes in the programme about Shakespeare and the links to the centenary of WW1 commemoration and influences of war, so much extra research into the subject and background, and the explanation of WW1 Officers as the aristocrats and that link to the Shakespeare Hut in Bloomsbury marking that 300th anniversary of his death during the war. So a different and innovative approach to the play, well cut to keep down time and not lose any of the story.

Liked the setting for the play, simple yet most effective with the lighting and sound effects enhancing the atmosphere. The original music brought feeling to moods needed.

Clever opening on storm with symbolic ship and action which worked well, Fred Nash as Boatswain and Richard Crawley as Gonzalo really set up the following actions. As expected from an actor of his calibre, Richard set up the scene and in sympathy showed what he did to save those cast overboard, a compelling performance.  The three officers and aristocrats involved Alonso (Malcolm Robertson), Antonio (Ian Taylor), and Sebastian (Kevin West) who were the royal party, all had good presence and style even in their original plotting for overthrow of Prospero (looked good in those uniforms). Throughout the play and all characters, I must congratulate on the diction and quality of projection so that we heard every word of the dialogue.

On the island, a spirit of style in costume, movement and action, Ariel from Isla Butcher really captured the magic and imagination. The contrast of her lightness to the slimy feel and evil thoughts and snake-like movement enclosed in a different-style costume was excellent when we saw Tom Key enjoying every moment of his unpleasant Caliban to the detriment of all, a good interpretation.

The comedy touches well timed and lightening up the action and certainly Trincula (Zac Sowter) and Stephano (Chris Morter) took every opportunity and played up every moment on stage in clown-like style, and how they enjoyed it!

The two lovers Miranda (Beth Robertson) and Ferdinand (Jon Moule) matched well in looks and elegant style, the relationship good. And Miranda’s relationship to Prospera also good and acknowledging the situation.

And to the tour de force from Maris McCann as Prospera (which worked well): style and presence dominating when on stage and in charge, every word heard and no prompts, a performance to make all proud that she achieved this character to such a standard.

Certainly a worthy production to celebrate your 40 years, and delighted with the great turn out and full audiences, much deserved.

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