THE TEMPEST

The Lord Chamberlain's Men at Hylands House
15.07.10

They stole their name, and their playtexts, from Shakespeare's own troupe, but they tap into a much older tradition: the travelling players who would set up a trestle stage and perform wherever they could count on an audience.

This autumnal piece began with “Neptune's Raging Fury” and other songs of the sea, shifting straight into a busy storm, nicely suggested by three ropes and a handbell.

Not much by way of staging; a scrap of playhouse, with an alcove, a balcony and a trapdoor. Not much subtlety vocally, either, in the struggle to make the words carry over “another storm brewing”.

But the rough magick of Prospero's Island survived, thanks to the manic Ariel of Craig Gordon – no “harmless fairy” he, never still, controlling the mortals with his dark charms, his concertina and his ethereal singing. Similarly garbed, Kristian Philips made a strong Caliban. Their bearded but youthful Prospero was Matt Bannister, who bade a grumpy farewell to his powers.

The comedy was excellent, especially from William Reay's drunken Geordie Butler, with much fun with the gaberdine and the fripperies.

This no-frills, seven-man, two-hour Tempest was directed for The Chamberlain's Men by Andrew Normington.