2.0 out of 5 star rating
As a seasoned theatergoer who has seen my fair share of Shakespearean productions, I must admit that Jamie Lloyd’s take on The Tempest left me a bit divided. While the ultra-futuristic set design was visually stunning and the use of curtains to evoke the tempest was truly phenomenal, it seemed like the production was trying to be two different plays at once.
The star power of Sigourney Weaver as Prospero was undeniable, but her performance lacked the stage presence needed to carry the role effectively. Her static delivery and monotonous tone made it difficult for me to fully invest in her character’s journey. However, the side characters more than made up for this shortcoming. Mason Alexander Park’s portrayal of Ariel was simply outstanding, with their ethereal voice and expert control of a harness system creating an otherworldly performance that was both chilling and captivating. Mathew Horne and Phillip Olagoke also delivered hilarious performances as Trinculo and Boatswain, providing much-needed comedic relief that lightened the mood of the production.
Unfortunately, some strange choices with Caliban’s character left me feeling uncomfortable at times, but overall, the production felt uneven and unsteady. Despite these flaws, the stellar performances from Park and Horne combined with the incredible set and lighting design almost made it worth looking past them.
If you’re a fan of Shakespeare or just looking for an interesting night out in London, The Tempest is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to sit through some questionable choices regarding Caliban’s character! As they say, all’s well that ends well… unless you’re stuck watching Caliban thrusting during a Shakespeare play!
In a more casual and accessible manner, it could be rephrased as follows: Jamie Lloyd’s unique take on Shakespeare plays has been making waves in London’s West End, garnering both positive and negative opinions. Now, let’s see how he approaches one of Shakespeare’s masterpieces, The Tempest.
Lloyd is undoubtedly well-acquainted with a Shakespeare play directed by a notable Hollywood figure. Notably, this performance is flanked by two more of Lloyd’s productions: “Romeo & Juliet,” featuring Tom Holland, which ran at the Duke of York’s Theatre from May to August 2024, and “Much Ado About Nothing,” set to replace “The Tempest” in February.
As a theater enthusiast who has spent countless hours watching plays and attending various productions, I must say that this individual’s work stands out as truly remarkable. What sets his creations apart is their unique blend of modernity with tradition, evidently demonstrated in the awe-inspiring futuristic set design for his latest play. The stage setup, complete with towering volcanic-like mountains and black dirt covering the scene, transported me to another world entirely. It’s clear that this artist has a deep understanding of both contemporary aesthetics and classic storytelling, making each performance an unforgettable experience.
In an incredibly effective manner, curtains are skillfully utilized, particularly in the initial scene, to create the tumultuous effect of wind and waves reminiscent of the play’s title The Tempest. This, along with other captivating elements like Caliban’s first appearance where his head emerges from the floor, results in a visually mesmerizing performance.
A star actor on-screen doesn’t automatically imply they possess stage talent, and this seems true for Sigourney Weaver. Her acting prowess is undeniable, having won a BAFTA, but it appears she lacks the stage charisma required to portray a character like Prospero.
Inadequate shifts in emotion and minimal physical action, particularly the prolonged seating throughout most of the performance, hinder Prospero from propelling the story effectively. This is particularly evident in the concluding scene. During the climactic emotional moment in the play, Prospero’s act of forgiveness towards his sibling appears insincere.
As a film enthusiast, I found myself grappling with some peculiar decisions regarding the character of Caliban. Scenes involving feet kissing and frequent thrusting, coupled with his scant attire, often resulted in sequences that were awkwardly sensual, seeming to jar with the overall flow of the production.
In contrast, it is the power of the supporting characters that ultimately rescues the show. Mason Alexander Park delivers an exceptional portrayal of Ariel, presenting a more vengeful spirit compared to the mischievous imp depicted in other versions of The Tempest. Their unique, otherworldly voice, previously heard by many in Cabaret, combined with their mastery over a harness and wire system, results in a performance that is both haunting and terrifying.
Mathew Horne’s physical humor and exceptional comic delivery harmoniously meshed with Philip Olagoke’s expressive brand of comedy in their roles as Trinculo and Boatswain. Together, they created a seamless stream of comedic moments, occasionally interrupted by Caliban’s peculiar actions.
The physical humor of Mathew Horne combined effortlessly with Philip Olagoke’s expressive comedy in their portrayals as Trinculo and Boatswain. Their comedic partnership flowed smoothly, with only occasional interruptions due to Caliban’s unusual behavior.
In summary, the overall performance seems inconsistent and unbalanced, with shifts in mood and wardrobe giving off an impression that various scenes belong to distinct productions rather than a single one.
Nevertheless, outstanding acts by Mason Alexander Park and Mathew Horne, along with an exceptionally grand stage setup and lighting, come very close to overlooking any issues.
When and where can I see The Tempest?
As someone who has been a theater enthusiast for most of my life, I am thrilled to share that “The Tempest” is currently playing at the iconic Theatre Royal Drury Lane and tickets are available until the 1st of February 2024! Having attended numerous performances in this historic venue, I can confidently say that it’s an experience like no other. The best part? You can catch a show every day of the week, except Sunday, with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It’s rare to find such flexibility these days, so don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! I highly recommend catching “The Tempest” at Theatre Royal Drury Lane – it’ll be an unforgettable experience!
The Theatre Royal Drury Lane is conveniently located near Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and Temple underground stations, and can also be reached by several bus services.
How to get tickets to see The Tempest
You can purchase tickets immediately from several ticket vendors such as London Theatre Direct and TodayTix.
As an enthusiast, I’d share that tickets for shows start at around £28 on TodayTix and £25 on London Theatre Direct, but the price might change based on the seating options you select.
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2025-01-02 17:35