South London Press & Mercury

Christopher Walker reviews The Tempest at Shakespeare’s Globe

Like London buses Shakespeare productions often come along in pairs. This summer we have already been treated to an excellent production of The Tempest by the ‘Shakespeare in the Parks’ team. Now it is the turn of the players at the Globe to throw their hat in the ring.

Director Sean Holmes gives us something very different. A “laugh-a-minute beach party.” So Shakespeare’s hero, Prospero the exiled Duke of Milan, cavorts around the stage in a scanty pair of swimming trunks, which were no doubt the envy of the rest of the cast in the sweltering heatwave.

Ferdy Roberts looked understandably disappointed when he had to don his heavy magic robe towards the end of the play. It was 34 degrees and I rather wished I was wearing swimming trunks.

Nonetheless, Ferdy keeps the dignity of the role well, and masterly brings out the different dynamics between Prospero and each of the three co-inhabitants of his Treasure Island.

His beautiful daughter “much admired Miranda” is very well played by Nadi Kemp-Sayfi who seems to be enjoying every moment of her beach romp, at one point sitting in a blow up pink flamingo beach toy. She brings comedy to the role in a way not often seen.

The complex relationship between Prospero and his magical sprite Ariel is something Ferdy executes well, and it is lovely to see Rachel Hannah Clarke in a bigger role than she normally gets at the Globe. Though I must confess to missing her comic skills elsewhere in the play.

The third of Prospero’s ‘subjects’ is Caliban, the hideous offspring of the witch Sycorax who feels Prospero has stolen the Island from him. Dressed as a cruise ship entertainer wearing a “staff” badge, Ciaran O’Brien is fascinating watching in this role. His heavy Irish accent, whilst lost on some of the tourists in the audience, does give an interesting twist to the Prospero-Caliban dynamic.

Suddenly we have very post-colonial thoughts. Prospero calls Caliban his “slave” while the latter spits back “This islands mine, by Sycorax my mother, Which thou takest from me.” And of course it is intriguing that Caliban has much of the best poetry in the play, and clearly is a character we are meant to sympathize with for his harsh treatment.

Was Shakespeare warning the nascent Jacobean empire builders where their projects would lead?

There are many clever touches to this production. As Prospero conjures up the Tempest of the title to capture the pleasure cruise of the Milanese and Neapolitan courts, the aristocrats are shown partying in a sea-washed glass box. Complete with streamers and party hats. It has touches of the Poseidon Adventure.

Amongst the shipwrecked courtiers, veteran performer Peter Bourke stood out. He was perfectly cast as the wise if somewhat irritating Counsellor Gonzalo.

In their sharp Italian suits and stick on moustaches Katy Stephens, Joanne Howarth and Lucy Phelps take on trouser roles. Designer Paul Wells has achieved much in this production.

The comedy below decks comes as ever from George Fouracres as Stefano assisted by heart-throb Ralph Davis as Trinculo. Poor Ralph sweltered in a diving suit at one point which he just had to take off, and really would have been better in the ‘Prince Charming role.’ Ferdinand is played by Olivier Huband and Patrick Osborne is Antonio. I would like to see Patrick in bigger tragic roles.

The description of “laugh-a-minute” is a little stretched, but the beach party theme is well delivered, and a good time is had by all. In the audience and on stage. https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on/the-tempest-2022/#0

Pictured top. Ciaran OBrien and Ferdy Roberts in The Tempest at Shakespeares Globe Pictures: Marc Brenner

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