Theatre / chris donnelly
Review: The Tempest, St John on the Wall Crypt
A crypt isn’t the most obvious venue for a play set on an enchanted island, but it’s not without precedent. Formerly the scene of some of Bristol’s most mind-bending live music shows, the space under St John on the Wall is no stranger to magic, while Insane Root Theatre specialise in telling familiar stories in unusual settings. Their previous shows have brought Scottish skulduggery to Redcliffe Caves, and recreated the underworld of Orpheus and Eurydice beneath the Suspension Bridge.
This show’s sorcery lies in condensing The Tempest’s five acts and 18 characters into something that can be performed in a single hour by a cast of four. Shakespeare’s original takes place virtually in real time, but here the story is told in retrospect, as Prospero – restored to his dukedom but now aged and infirm – recalls the day that changed his fortunes.
Chris Donnelly is excellent as both the ailing Prospero and his formidable younger self, while the other characters are performed by actor-singers Norma Butikofer, Helen Cockill and Ellie Showering, each performing multiple roles and in fine voice throughout.
is needed now More than ever
Chris Donnelly as Prospero. Pics: Craig Fuller Photography
With characters represented as voices in the music, composer Showering uses harmony and polyphony to reflect the dynamics of different scenes. The characters from Prospero’s household – Miranda (Butikofer), Caliban (Cockill) and Ariel (Showering) – are brought to physical life most vividly, while those of the shipwrecked party are represented by props, including a feather duster and a small horn. This works well overall, and makes for some entertaining physical theatre, although audience members with shorter attention spans would be forgiven for occasionally forgetting exactly who the telescope is.
Plot is hardly The Tempest’s strongest suit though, and Hannah Drake’s adaptation scores by amplifying the poetry and mystery of this most poignant of Jacobean fantasies. With its otherworldly music, elegant candle-lit staging and energetic performances, this is distilled Shakespeare that reveals the essence.
The Tempest continues in the Crypt of St John on the Wall on Broad Street until Sunday, December 24. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.insaneroot.co.uk/tempest
Read more: Review: Beauty and the Beast, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
