★★★★★

Reviewer - Roni

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.

CONTENT WARNING: The Tempest contains the use of strobe and flashing lights, and stage blood. For more information please see The RSC’s Content Advisory page.

You may think it goes without saying, but it seems the general consensus is that nobody does Shakespeare better than the RSC. This latest production of The Tempest at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre has generated quite a buzz, with a trailer providing insight into a modern, eco-centric adaptation of the Bard’s classic tale. Keeping Shakespeare fresh can prove a challenge, so can this moody telling rise to the occasion?

The Tempest follows the rightful Duke of Milan, Prospero (traditionally male, but played as female here), who was usurped by her brother Antonio with the help of the King of Naples and his sister, Sebastian. Cast out to sea, she and her infant daughter Miranda are washed up on an island inhabited only by Caliban, the son of a witch, and Ariel, a spirit who Prospero enlists to aid in the magic arts she performs. Years later, Prospero invokes a storm to wreck a boat containing her adversaries, leaving them her play things as they are stranded on the island. Believing the King’s son drowned, Antonio and Sebastian plot to murder the monarch and take the throne. Meanwhile, his son Ferdinand has washed up under Prospero’s watchful eye, and with some meddling magic, has fallen for the kind-hearted Miranda. Using the situation to her advantage, Prospero reunites the father and son, forgiving those who have wronged her and uniting the nations through their children’s marriage, and setting off for Milan to reclaim her Dukedom.

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This is the first production in the companies’ Power Shifts season, and it focuses on the theme of a world in climate crisis. The RSC is committed to the Theatre Green Book initiative, making shows as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible, which shows the second you step into the incredible performance space.

Set designer Tom Piper has utilised various materials used in previous shows, from barrels to pianos to the entire stage floor. What is created is some of the most visually stunning set you’ll ever see, well worthy of the audience acclaim it receives. Swathes of wooden planks and sheets covered in a very authentic-looking moss are offset by debris that is reminiscent of climate documentary images that we’ve sadly grown used to – plastic bottles, bags and fishing net strewn are strewn across the stage, but every item has its use as a prop. More set is unveiled gradually throughout the show, eventually revealing what can only be described as a forest clearing, made up of real plants taken ethically from a local forest. The space available is optimised to perfection, really immersing us in the deserted island feel. It’s always a pleasant surprise when the standout part of the show isn’t what you were expecting, and the set design here takes 1st place.

What makes or breaks a Shakespeare adaptation is how well the cast gets the story across to a modern audience, and this one has been exquisitely well cast. Alex Kingston is formidable as the scorned Prospero, mixing the authenticity of human emotion with a darker edge that lends itself well to the sorcery at play. She is both believable and likeable, which is not an easy feat for a character like Prospero. The ensemble cast are a joy, each giving a stellar performance that adds up to very slick storytelling, easy and enjoyable to follow. Jessica Rhodes brings a beautiful innocence to Miranda, while Peter De Jersey is heart-breaking as the ‘grieving’ King. Jamie Ballard deserves recognition for his performance as Antonio, delivering both sarcasm and pathetic begging with ease, and Heledd Gwynn is truly captivating as the whimsical spirit Ariel. No spoilers, but some of the most breathtaking moments of the show belong to her and are very much worth waiting for.

If Shakespeare is not your thing, this may well just change your mind. A gorgeous treat for the eyes, held up by its phenomenal cast and genuinely funny to boot, it’s an entrancing introduction to the newest season at the RSC. A well-weathered storm that should be seen by any means possible.

The Tempest is performing at The RSC until 4 March 2022. All ticket information is available here.