The Tempest

RSC Stratford upon Avon

Until 20^th June

**** “Tempest at a tempo”

It is full steam ahead and in the middle of our recent little heatwave the storm was blowing with some welcome alacrity at the RSC with Richard Eyre’s new production of Shakespeare’s last complete play. The punchy pace is conducted throughout by Prospero, a performance of maestro proportions by Kenneth Branagh, returning to Stratford after a gap of thirty years.

The Tempest is a visual spectacle from the opening moments, a relatively simple looking stage is elevated by video images and some acrobatic high-flying moments, by a very nimble and beautifully vocalized Ariel, a free spirit indeed, played by the tumbling Amara Okereke.

Credit in full here for the storytelling, occasionally a little hazy in other interpretations, but not here, thanks in no small way to Branagh. A superbly controlled characterization, the conductor in chief, he enables his fellow company members to shine and come to the party just at the right time. And he created some magic with his own take on Prospero, dignified, powerful and yet with a playful twinkle in the eye. He guided the unfolding plot of young love in the shape of Miranda and Ferdinand, nicely evolved by Ruby Stokes and Fred Woodley-Evans.

The couple of rather merry mariners Trinculo and Stephano are a lovely comedy pairing, squeezing out the very last juices of merriment. Kier Charles and Guy Henry shine with their playful physicality and enviable comic timing.

The tempo is allegro for most of the time on the island, with just the occasional slump.

But it is a rare joy, and Eyre and Branagh make it a memorable occasion. Music to the eyes and the ears.

Enjoy this landmark production while you can.

David Robinson