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30/09/2015

Review: The Tempest at Newcastle Northern Stage


The Tempest
Newcastle Northern Stage
Until Saturday 10th October 2015

Photo: Topher McGrillis



The Northern Stage is host to a fascinating take on Shakespeare’s Tempest. It is a production that uses original music and cunning design to bring alive a tale of revenge, love and forgiveness.

Photo: Topher McGrillis
After working on Eastenders, as well as for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre, Tyrone Huggins appears as Prospero. His character has been robbed of his kingdom and he is keen to take revenge on his brother. With his daughter Miranda (Jade Ogugua) and the flirty spirit Ariel (Eileen Walsh) he awaits their arrival after a shipwreck near his island.

Photo: Topher McGrillis
The set is enchanting – made up of carefully arranged clothing, it looks like designer Becs Andrews has been a regular visitor to the local charity shops. The set enables the cast to effectively blend into the background. The arrival of Hannah McPake and Pete Peverley from the set often resulted in some of the lighter moments of the show.

Photo: Topher McGrillis
The Tempest features a great cast, which quickly won the audience over with the washing machine at the start. John Paul Connolly has great presence as King Alonso. Gary Kitching is very comfortable as Prospero’s brother Antonio. Tony Bell as drunken butler Stephano has great scenes with the highly expressive Trinculo (Hannah McPake).

Photo: Topher McGrillis
When Miranda falls in love with Ferdinand (Christopher Price) it results in the longest lecture about awaiting for the wedding from he father. Shakespeare has a way with words!

Photo: Topher McGrillis
In addition to Phelim McDermott’s enchanting direction there is original music performed live by its creator Brendan Murphy. The score added a special dimension to the show, through his use of some unusual instruments. At times the gentle music and the waving clothes give an almost In The Night Garden feel to proceedings.

Photo: Topher McGrillis
The show has lighter moments thanks to the great work by the cast especially with the mischief of Ariel. Phelim has let the story fly.

This is a production that will capture the fans of the Bard hook, line and sinker.

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for the North East Theatre Guide from Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo


On The Web:

Tickets:
Photo: Topher McGrillis
The Tempest comes to Newcastle’s Northern Stage from Friday 25th September - Saturday 10th October 2015
Tickets: £24, £19.50, £14.50 / £12 Students under 21s

Box Office: www.northernstage.co.ukor 0191 230 5151



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