The Tempest

TEMPEST

Wells Little Theatre                         

14th September 2023

Director        Jonathan Sansam

Consultant Director      Lois Harbinson

I’ve always felt that Tempest was among Shakespeare’s most evocative stories, a moody, climatic plot, the narrative captivates as much with magic as it does with action. It’s one of my favourite works and after spending an evening with the Little Theatre, Wells, I was not disappointed. 

The audience walked in to a gorgeous set, depicting a beach on Prospero’s Island with an ivy-clad opening into Caliban’s cave.  The show opens with an impish (and slightly re-written) rendition of Row Your Boat from Ariel before we tumble headlong into the full might of the wonderfully blustery Tempest.

Directed by Jonathan Sansam, it was apparent that a substantial amount of time had been invested in working with the text.  A few adaptations had been made here and there and the cast had taken ownership of the language. The result was an extraordinarily clear and believable story-telling style, which made the show very easy to follow whatever your age or experience. 

This is a story with something for everyone, the descent of Prospero into the sorcery which begins to take hold of him, the farcical story of Caliban as his new friends, washed in from Naples acquaint him with the dubious delights of alcohol and the murder plot, to topple the Queen of Naples all weaved into the work of a night. 

The actor playing Prospero clearly had a real feel for the character and put his own mark on the part. The result was a rounded performance, a benevolent father who morphs magically into a manipulative tyrant, increasingly consumed by the Rough Magic. Each act of sorcery was preceded with creative lighting effects which was a lovely touch. 

Miranda was played beautifully, an innocent and engaging girl, dying to know the truth but distracted through Prospero’s lengthy recap on the circumstances which had brought them to the island and their rapidly approaching visitors.  Her frank attraction to Ferdinand was very sweet and beguiling. 

Caliban came across as a slightly pitiful monster, presenting the audience with an object of contempt mingled with compassion for his plight. 

Architect of the storm, Prospero sends Ariel to fetch Ferdinand where he is instantly (and convincingly) beguiled by Miranda.  As we meet the survivors who wash onto the island, we are introduced to, not the King, but the Queen of Naples who endures her predicament with real style and regality. 

Gonzalo was a joy to watch as he lightly skipped between a serious statesman to a slightly pontificating buffoon as he describes the world he would create on his own plantation on the island. This is tempered by the plans of the Queen’s treacherous brother Sebastian as he and Antonio plot to murder the Queen and seize control. 

The costume design was pure steam punk which worked very well indeed adding atmospheric contrast to the elementals and the islanders. In the second half the costumes for the spirits and celestials were absolutely stunning, lending real pageantry to the piece, a real highlight was the absolutely dazzling bird costume. The wardrobe and props team did an excellent job.

Trinculo the Queen’s Jester and the inebriated butler Stephano were played with glee – the actors revelled in their mischievous characters’ antics with Caliban.  This was a really entertaining pairing and the two players had a lovely rapport both with each other and the audience.  

The show was pacey and dynamic, easy to follow and glorious to watch. The music was imaginative and well suited to the original compositions which fitted perfectly. From the banquet to the masque and the final moments as Prospero finally shook the spells, recognised his own misdeeds and made peace with his family – this was a truly magical journey. 

Great job, guys!!

Katie Jones

NODA 

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performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

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