Jack Studio Theatre – until 3 March 2018. Reviewed by Claire Roderick
3***
Controlled Chaos’ all female production of The Tempest begins with a simple but effective representation of the storm that traps Prospero’s enemies on his island, and this low-tech, whimsical approach continues throughout Dylan Lincoln’s solid production.
Prospero’s dreams of revenge on those who have wronged him are effectively portrayed as characters silently parade during the (very) long exposition to Miranda which must be endured before the action gets started. With the help of spirit Ariel, Prospero’s retribution begins as Ariel leads groups of survivors on a merry dance around the island as Prospero engineers the meeting of Ferdinand, heir of Milan, with Miranda. Meanwhile his slave Caliban comes across two drunken members of Alonso’s household, and takes them for gods.
In some productions the “comedy” of drunken Trinculo and Stephano can be painful, but here Kimberley Capero and Ceri Ashe keep it broad but unforced and very funny. Drawing even bigger laughs are Shereener Browne and Afsana Sayyed as duplicitous and ambitious Antonio and Sebastian. Carmella Brown is an ethereal mischievous Ariel and Kate Sketchley gives Caliban an animalistic naivety that is spellbinding, while Michelle Pittoni and Hannah Jessop are an innocent delight as Miranda and Ferdinand. I think Jo Bartlett will grow into her role as Prospero, at the moment her mystical, reflective moments are impressive, but there is a slight hesitancy about the anger and bitterness in early scenes that doesn’t quite convince yet. The whole cast give committed performances, but too often their breathing isn’t quite right, resulting in lines ending in a garbled rush, or choking on words mid-line.
The music is charming, with a circular hypnotic, sometimes soporific melody that enhances the feeling of enchantment, complimented by a lighting design that, although predictable, matches the mood of the piece.
This is a production full of natural charm and humour – well worth a look.