Zen Zen Zo’s The Tempest

Audience for The Tempest entered the Marist auditorium through a cave and found themselves on an island beach. Newman’s large stage becomes a forest, with most of the action taking place in the area front of stage on a beautiful set designed by Adam James - who was also responsible for the show’s highly atmospheric lighting design.

Adding to the great look of the show were superb, very visually striking costumes designed and created by Rhiannon Walker and fantasy makeup designed by Manuao TeAotonga.

This version includes a great deal of song, superbly performed under the care of Vocal Coach Selena Barrett and accompanied by pianist Shaun Davis. Much of the singing is performed by Kristen King’s Ariel - sounding gorgeous and delivering an ethereal yet strident performance. Ariel is supported by a chorus of look-alikes, who move beautifully and create magic moments.

Also granted his own chorus is the monster Caliban, played with strength by Harry Klein, although his monster looks more like a matinee idol than like Boris Karloff. 

Central role Prospera is played with confidence and maturity by Héloïse Nathan. At least the fifth strong Prospera in a row that I have seen, one must wonder if we will ever see a Prospero again, as it is a role that sits so comfortably with maternal and feminine power. Her daughter, Miranda, played by Oliver Laurent in blonde wig, was reminiscent of Evanna Lynch’s Luna Lovegood, a lovely blend of naivety and unconscious strength.

Jack Bryant’s Ferdinand was a worthy and charming love interest, his loving mother Alonso superbly played by Bailey Stubber. Holly Kallawk was a sympathetic Gonzala, with Isla Carless and Annie Clarke having fun with the comic roles of Stephano and Trinculo. Matthew Stephens and Lachlan Stevens worked well together as villainous Antonio and Sebastian.

I would have loved to have seen an audience similar in size to Newman’s musicals as this was strong and accessible theatre that deserves a larger crowd. A production of which Newman College should be very proud.

Kimberley Shaw