Shakespeare in the Park - The Tempest

Roleystone Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park has quickly become established as an integral part of the theatrical calendar, and The Tempest proves a worthy addition to this series. 

Performed in the late afternoon, Araluen’s amphitheatre is a beautiful setting - and a particularly lovely for the island setting of The Tempest. Preshow music and costuming (Penny Ramsell and Jo Padgett) gave us a sixties beach feel (with some oblique references to Gilligan’s Island and perhaps anachronistically to Baywatch).

This year we had the benefit of amplified sound (managed by Peter ‘Pear” Carr) - which is a huge boost to the production - and came in especially handy when a patron nearby decided to take a phone call mid show (the outdoor setting seems to make some people forget basic theatre etiquette).

Director Paul Treasure has ignored gender, and to a certain extent age, when casting this production - which works well - and all actors perform with gusto and a little more vim in this outdoor space.

Kate O’Sullivan as Prospero leads the cast in a strong performance that commands the space. She has a lovely relationship with Abby Jennings, who finds some oomph in the ingenue role of Miranda. Prospero’s guiding of the relationship between Miranda and Ferdinand feels particularly warm in this production - and the casting of Joanna Tyler as Ferdinand (beautifully played) allows for a queerish reading of this romance - which adds freshness.

Lovely work from the spirits. Ben Adcock literally gets a workout as Ariel - running all over the considerable stage and audience area, and bringing a cheekiness to the role. Benjamin Small is more grounded literally and figuratively as Caliban - and works well with both comedy and pathos.

Great comic relief from Trinculo and Stephano. Andre Victor as Trinculo is really in his element in the Shakespearian clowns and is a clear audience favourite - with Caity Webb working well as the drunken Stephano. I would have like to see a costume change from their first roles as the Master and Boatswain – as, with the only characters doubling, the lack of change means that we are looking for meaning and symbolism that probably is not there.

Sam Barnett is impressive as bad guy Antonio - with a lovely fall from grace, with Azza Gee bringing authority to Alonso the King. Solid support from Kelly Salathiel as Sebastian and Phillip Steel-Young as Gonzalo. Lovely to see Roleystone theatre stalwarts Kim Fletcher and Jack Barker completing the cast as lords Adrian and Francisco.

Paul Treasure has already announced that he will be at the helm of the next Shakespeare in the Park in November 2023, As You Like It  - a lovely introduction to Shakespeare and an enjoyable afternoon in the outdoors. Start planning your picnic now.

Kimberley Shaw