Writer: William Shakespeare
Director: Jessamy James
Avast ye matey! There’s a storm a brewing. A tempest has blown its way into the Libra Theatre Café, bringing a fun pirate-themed Shakespearean production.
After a successful run during the Camden Fringe, The Whole Pack Theatre Company is back with a Treasure Island-themed The Tempest. This all-female cast takes the classic Shakespeare tale, typically considered one of Shakespeare’s romance plays, blending comedy and tragedy elements, and creates a fun and humorous production. Though the cast is all female, the gendered role of each character is the same as in the original Shakespearean. This creates an interesting dynamic, especially as Miranda (Catriona Trainer) states that she does not know a single woman as she gazes into the eyes of Ferdinand (Joanna Clarke).
This production starts with a sea shanty song, perfectly setting the scene. This usage of traditional pirate songs appears throughout the production with singing, humming, or even whistling. This creates a wonderful effect, casting those who listen to imagine themselves in a Shakespearean pirate tale.
Prospero (Libby Boyd) has been stuck on an island with his daughter Miranda for 12 years. Through the help of his servant Ariel (played by the entire cast at different instances), he shipwrecks his brother, Antinio (Catriona Trainer), the King of Naples (Alice Kellar), his son Ferdinand, as well as some servants. Mischief ensues as Prospero, shown as a pirate in this production, becomes a sort of puppeteer, moving characters around to ensure they do his bidding to achieve his desires. The Shakespearean lines come easily to Boyd. Her movements, facial expressions and mastery over the Shakespearean language are compelling.
Though Boyd is the standout, this does not mean the rest of the cast are unable to match her performance. The other actors play at least two roles, and this is masterfully done through fun costume changes and mannerisms. The outfits perfectly capture the pirate theme for those who currently live on the island, whereas those who have newly landed wear more regal wear, creating a good contrast. Quite a few impressive quick changes happen throughout the production.
The props are simple, yet effective. They add to the world and typically work well. This being said, the use of swords does not always work as they hamper the actor’s mobility and, at times, are awkwardly placed or mishandled.
This production removes some of the minor characters that appear in the original play. This is not uncommon in smaller productions, but Director Jessamy James does something unique. She has each actor play Ariel. This is considered one of the titular roles of The Tempest, and splitting this acting role between the various actors is an interesting choice. This allows for greater flexibility for the actors to highlight their acting skills, yet diminishes the character. Each actor gives their own slightly different spin to the role, but this creates discontinuity as some play the character as more sinister (Libby Boyd), while others as more whimsical (Alice Kellar). That being said, the brilliant usage of a parrot mask must be mentioned. What is a pirate without its trusted companion who follows everything he says? This adds extra depth to the role of Ariel.
This is an interesting and unique portrayal of The Tempest that fans of the play should find worthwhile to see.
Runs until 28 November and then continues on tour
