THE TEMPEST. To 9 June.

Tour.

THE TEMPEST
by William Shakespeare.

Northern Broadsides in partnership with New Vic Theatre Newcastle-under-Lyme Tour to 9 June 2007.
Runs: 2hrs 30mins One interval.
Review: Ranjit Khutan 1 March.

A rom-com offering from Shakespeare in which fantasy and magic abounds.
The Tempest is one of Shakespeare’s most difficult plays to direct,with its dream-like sequences, magic, time changes, ambiguities and imagination. Yet it is increasingly being considered as one of Shakespeare’s greatest works. This new production by Northern Broadsides in partnership with the New Vic Theatre, is well thought through; full of live musical performances by the multi talented actors, while director Barrie Rutter's attention to detail pays off through the faultless performance of all players.

The action starts immediately – the storm begins and the characters invade the stage to set the scene through song, live music and movement, highlighting relationships and the subtext that is to be revealed between the players later on in the play. When the storm is settled by Prospero these intricacies are explored in more detail.

Of particular noteworthiness is Michael Hugo’s energetic and grotesque, yet likeable Caliban; Nelson’s Trinculo who has the audience in stitches; and the Nicola Gardener/Simone Saunders/Belinda Everrett Ariel – clearly enjoying the mischief that is at the heart of this ever changing character. Although I single out a few actors, what is more important is the effect of a tight, seamless whole, woven by the entire troupe.

It was an interesting choice for the director to take part in the play himself, but when a director such as Rutter runs a tight ship with his team it is clear to see why the role of Prospero would suit him. Rutter’s use of himself within the play as Prospero, and outside it as Director, cleverly points to the notion of power relationships.

As director he uses his powers to manipulate the characters in the play, and as Prospero he intervenes knowing all threads of the plot and decides the outcome. Rutter is seen on stage overseeing scenes, but at other times is seen off-stage, looking on. Is this Rutter remaining in the role of Prospero or temporarily being himself the perfectionist director? (I suspect a bit of both.)

Rutter has the audience spellbound through Prospero’s final words – with jaws dropped in awe; there is a split second of deafening silence before the audience show their appreciation in rapturous applause. This will surely be one of the finest productions of The Tempest you will see.

Alonso: Simeon Truby.
Sebastian: Phil Corbitt.
Prospero: Barrie Rutter.
Antonio: Mark Stratton.
Ferdinand: Matt Conor.
Gonzalo: Tim Barker.
Adrian/Francisco: Peter Toon.
Caliban: Michael Hugo.
Trinculo: Conrad Nelson.
Stephano: Simon Holland Roberts.
Miranda: Sarah Cattle.
Ariel: Nicola Gardener/Simone Saunders/Belinda Everett.

Director: Barrie Rutter.
Designer: Lis Evans.
Lighting: Daniella Beattie.

2007-03-05 01:44:01