The Tempest.

I went to see Tropical Arts' production of The Tempest last week. I lay on the grass of 'The Tanks' amphitheatre wrapped in blankets while the full moon rose directly overhead and watched Shakespeare in the tropics.

Hey, no-one said it would be easy.

Directed by Avril Duck and Kevin West, it was an atmospheric interpretation, albeit with a few flat moments. Andy Bramble was the standout for me, in the role of Trinculo. I see he's the kind of actor who loves the audience to love him.
So I did.

Warren Clements treated us to a didge-wielding Caliban, and delivered his lines resoundingly in his Tjapukai accent, resulting in an authentic portrayal, resonant, as it should be, with colonialist tensions.

Laila Thaker, as Ariel, was shimmery and flighty, powerfully will-o-the-wisp. I wondered how on earth John Lipscomb's Prospero had ever captured her in the first place.

Sarah Urquhart gave us a few good laughs as the drunken Stephano, and an extra snicker at the reversal of the tradition, of Shakespeare's day, of men taking women's roles.

I would have liked to have seen more from Jim Hill who's (brief) turn as the Boatswain was really rather good.

I shall be present at their next shindig.

Oh, and Mr Bramble earns himself a place on the list.