"The Tempest is renowned for its metaphors. Are we witnessing the materialisation of the Watermill Theatre’s intoxicating appeal to cast its creative tendrils out to its potential audience, entrance them and then feed their addiction with magical productions such as this?" The Stage
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on..."
In Shakespeare’s magical play, drama, mystery, romance and comedy combine to create the story of an overthrown Duke and his desire for justice.
Prospero, the intellectual Duke of Milan, has his kingdom taken from him by his ambitious brother Antonio. Cast adrift at sea, he and his young daughter are washed up on the shores of a distant island. But Prospero has magical abilities and as time passes, he waits patiently for the opportunity to avenge himself. Then one day, he conjures up a storm that shipwrecks Alonso, his son and courtiers on the island. Using his mystical powers and with the help of his servant Ariel, he controls and manipulates the castaways and deals out his version of justice. But is this reality, or the fevered imaginings of a reluctant ruler?
Paul’s credits include directing Heroes and Great Expectations at The Watermill, resident Assistant Director at the Donmar Warehouse and Associate Director for Propeller. Original music by Olly Fox will be performed by the company.
Performance Times
Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm
Thursday and Saturday matinées at 2.30pm
(no matinée performance on Thursday 27 Sept)
Saturday 3 November performances at 1.30pm and 6.30pm
Tickets
Monday evening, Thursday and Saturday matinées £14.50 and £15
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings £15, £22, £24.
Friday and Saturday evenings £16.50, £24, £26.
Shakespeare Pass
For every ticket you buy for The Tempest, get a ticket for Othello for just £5.
Call the box office to book on 01635 46044.
First Week Special
First Friday evening, seats £14.50 and £15 (no other discounts apply).
West Berks Residents Green Card
10% off top two price bands on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings and Thursday matinee from 2 - 4 October (subject to availability).
Performance running times
First Act 1 hr 10 minutes
Interval 20 minutes
Second Act 55 minutes
The Cast
Jeff Alexander Alonso
Jonathan Christie Ferdinand
Tim Chipping Caliban
Greer Dale-Foulkes Miranda
Jessica Dyas Iris
Stephen Finegold Antonio
Michael Hadley Prospero
Aoife McMahon Ariel
Tarek Merchant Trinculo
Eamonn O’Dwyer Sebastian
Johnson Willis Gonzalo
James Allen Stephano
Performance Times
Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm
Thursday and Saturday matinées at 2.30pm (no matinée performance on Thursday 27 Sept)
Saturday 3 November performances at 1.30pm and 6.30pm
Directed by Paul Hart
Original music by Olly Fox
Designed by Jemima Robinson
Lighting designed by Richard Howell
Sound designed by Steve Mayo