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THE TEMPEST
Burley Players
The Village Hall
Burley
July 2004

LOCAL author Julian Rathbone adapted and directed this play with considerable skill and the end result, although at just over two hours somewhat shorter than the original, told the story so clearly and effectively that even a tiny tot sitting near me seemed entranced.
The programme notes stated that it was played in up-to-date dress on the basis that: Shakespeare wrote not for an age but for all time, including ours; men in tights look silly; and modern dress is cheaper. Consequently Prospero (Wayne Priestley) wore a kaftan, Miranda (Emily Savage) was in jeans and t-shirt, Ferdinand (Rebecca Trotter) wore a smart suit and Caliban (Veronica Johnstone) was a goth-type punk. And Trinculo (Chris Wright) and Stephano (Greg Martin) were dead ringers for Laurel and Hardy.
Somehow the costumes and other inventive modern touches - such as the video camera that Ariel (Tamsin Fawn) used to film the island’s temporary occupants – made the plot far more understandable than is sometimes the case. And specially written music electronically modified from a Turkish lute helped create just the right atmosphere which, coupled with some very impressive performances from the cast, whose ages ranged from 10 or so to adult, made for a very enjoyable production.

Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo


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