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Darker Arts Productions The Tempest
by William Shakespeare
Rosemary Branch Theatre
22 February - 20 March, 2008
A review by Allan Taylor for EXTRA! EXTRA!
The Tempest is the classic Shakespearian tragicomedy in which we find ourselves marooned on a desert island where Prospero has been stranded for the past 15 years along with his daughter Miranda. A storm (or tempest… (Can you see what Shakespeare did there?) brings together Prospero’s old friends and foes with the demons and faeries native to his island, as well as a sparkling new love interest for Miranda. Is all well that ends well? As anyone who has read my previous review of Shakespeare, I truly believe that if you reinterpret it, it has to be done well. Luckily, the vision of Helen Tennison has seen beyond the corners of black box theatre and turned the Rosemary Branch’s space into a veritable magic trick within itself. As anyone who is familiar with The Tempest knows, mysticism is essential to the piece. Drier interpretations can be uninspiring, but she has obviously collaborated well with Karoline Young (set designer) to create a space free from restrictions, where someone can appear from under the stairs or above the lighting rig! There are no limitations in this piece. They make excellent use of space, as well as creating multi-purpose backgrounds. Equally as important are the enchanting sounds composed by Sinead Hayes that give the piece an ethereal, airy feel. Daniel Mutlow’s Caliban conjures a sympathetic and slightly disgusting character. His annoying tics never seem to be out of place, twisting between cuteness and cruelty. Raymond Coker is a soothing Prospero and, of course, the obvious greatness of Jason Eddy as Ariel is not to be missed. James McLaren’s excellent efforts and multi-role playing as the charming Ferdinand and the elderly Gonzalo are equally applaudable. A great effort all round, it truly does bring out the magic of The Tempest. Tennison obviously set herself a massive challenge and exceeded it greatly with her rigorous discipline and excellent vision. You would think it was surprising for a studio space, but really it is just another lesson to us all that theatre does not make things happen, but people make theatre happen. The Rosemary Branch is an enchanting space (with emphasis on the enchanting with this particular production) and this in-house production is perfect for everyone from adult to child. Go and see this if you are a fan of the bard, a student of the text or just looking for some good, old-fashioned theatrical fun.
Tuesday-Friday 7.30 pm Saturday 7.00pm Sunday 5.00pm For more information contact 0207 704 6665
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