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The Tempest. By William Shakespeare

Directed by Simon Baynes

The opening scene of a shipwreck is one most directors tend to depict merely with lighting and sound but Thame Players offering of a swaying ship made the most of this scene.

The set builders who are always excellent should be commended for this together with superbly depicted thunder and lightning making the storm one of the most convincing I have seen.

Victor Gaultney was an imposing Prospero with Holly Jones a delightful Miranda.  Tim Proctor was well cast as the handsome prince and Jo Brock depicted a superb Ariel.  Caliban is so often portrayed as merely a monster although he has some of the most beautiful lines in the play and Matt Blanks offered a balanced performance as the resourceful savage.

The comedy was provided by Steve Lambell a very credible drunk and a special mention of David Bright as Trinculo, not an easy role to play and having stepped into the part two days before the opening he was to be commended on his performance.

John Poole as the usurping Duke and his entourage were well presented.  Together with spirits and Goddesses the production followed the play faithfully.  This was the first time Simon Baynes has directed and to take on a Shakespeare play was a brave endeavour, which on the whole came off well although it is difficult to direct and take part at the same time.

Rita Carpenter

 

The Thame Players Theatre Company Ltd

Patrons: Sir Tim Rice, Bruce Alexander

Registered Company No. 4389665. Registered Charity No. 1092559