Tempest Review

Youngsters work up a storm

The Tempest

Stage 2

The Crescent Theatre

*****

IF this production had found itself at Stratford rather than The Crescent it would not have looked out of place. It is that good.

Director Liz Light has taken a couple of liberties with the script. In Shakespeare’s day the female parts would have been played by men, in this version key male parts are played by women.

Prospero the overthrown Duke of Milan has become a widow and a duchess while Antonio the usurping brother has become Antonia the usurping sister. Even the king’s drunken steward Stephano has had a sex change to become drunken cook Stephana.

Not that that detracts unduly, indeed Chloe Jones in the lead role of  Prospero towers over the production , she is just magnificent while Jacoba Williams is outstanding as the drunken cook, which is not to diminish Bryony Lovell’s performance in the less commanding role of Antonia.

The play opens with a storm, let’s call it a tempest, which is whipped up by Prospero and her band of sprites and fairies, to bring Alonso, the King of Naples, Andrew Brown, his illegitimate brother Sebastian, Jonathan Dowsett, along with servant Adrian, Matt Childs and sister Antonia to Prospero’s island.

With them is Gonzalo, a kindly courtier, who secretly helped Prospero and her daughter Miranda when they were banished out to sea, who is nicely played in another of the play’s comic characters by Rowan Turner-Powell.

Also shipwrecked is Alonso’s son Ferdinand who thinks has father is dead while his father thinks his son is dead.

It is no surprise that the plot is designed first for Prospero to right the wrongs done to her and then for the prince, played by Gabriel Hudson, to get hitched up with Miranda, played with all the innocence of youth by Sarah Middlemiss all helped along by Prospero’s fairies led by Ariel, played with enthusiastic style by the young and diminutive Roni Mevorach

FLOWING LIKE MUSIC

Shakespeare is not easy for youth theatre; even seasoned professionals see it as a challenge. The language is poetic, inventive and beautiful, flowing like music – but it is the language of Shakespeare’s time, early 17^thcentury English, with words, nuances, phrasings and meanings which are alien to modern speech.

Not easy to learn or deliver but this young cast did not, noticeably, make any errors and even finished five minutes earlier than advertised, which gives an idea of the natural rhythm they created to keep everything moving along.

And as this is Stage 2, the cast is of Ben Hur proportions, but no one steps out of the wings just so they could say they were in it in a Stage 2  production – even the spear carriers have to act and look animated, indeed it was noticeable that everyone looked confident, playing a part and at ease - even with 60 people on stage

Stephana is joined by the court jester Trinculo, played with timing and a light comic touch by George Hannigan in a sort of cross between Joe Pasquale and Bluebottle with plenty of visual humour to boot, both shipwrecked who team up with the scruffy, bear of a man Caliban, Prospero’s slave, who wants to get his island back.

The trio are a comic diversion and very funny with Sam Hotchin giving us an angry, bitter slave offering devotion to anyone who helps him get his island back – which involves killing Prospero just in case we start to feel sorry for him.

The opening is spectacular and a lesson in how to create a shipwreck with little but a few lights and noise. If there is one thing that young girls are good at it is screaming and scream they did racing about in controlled panic along with the crew and mariners running around the auditorium like – well rehearsed - headless chickens, as we heard muffled shouts and orders as the ship was lost in a fearsome storm, or so we thought. Very effective and proving the imagination of the audience are all the special effects you need.

Director Light also uses every inch of the Crescent with action at the back of the auditorium, in the aisles and on the balconies

The clever set with a rock, bridge, platform or whatever is needed at the back has no designer listed which is a pity. The costumes by Sarah Kemp, assisted by Emma Thompson and Sarah Middlemiss, were excellent as was the music composed by Richard Williams.

We have come to expect a high standard from Stage 2 but this is an exceptional piece of theatre To 20-04-13.

Roger Clarke  

Audience Opinion

One striking and recurring feature of each Stage2 show that I see is that each consecutive one I see, sets the bar a little higher. For Stage2's 'The Tempest' 2013, I think we'll need a ladder for this bar's new and dizzying height! This spectacle took me on a, maybe no longer strictly magical (with the smoke and mirrors concept) but nonetheless enchanting journey. Immediately upon seeing the set the audience saw that they were in for a treat. This could never have prepared us though for the wonders that were the costumes. The line between RSC hired costumes and Stage2's own hand-made costumes was indistinguishable, with notables including everything from Caliban's hulking structure of rubbish and charms to my personal favourite, Trinculo's jester outfit. Other remarkables included a stunning harpy head and wings, Ariel's gang (all bedecked in complimentary and eye-catching garments in the colour of the sea). I also thought the blacks worn by Antonia and Sebastian clearly represented their characters, intentions and relationship, contrasting sharply with the rest of the stage and highlighting the villains. This pairing though is just an example of the real care, attention to detail and love that went into the choice and design of every single costume made the play look truly beautiful. Credit is most definitely due to both Director Liz Light and costume assistant, Sarah Kemp, along with every other member who worked on these fabulous costumes!
Another key feature of the show was the amazing use of live sound. The combination of tribal drumming and banjo-playing along with highly polished singing added an incredible extra dimension. It is not often that with a play that has acting of the standard shown here, that you also see an entire cast not only confidently singing their hearts out, but in intricate cannons and inter-weaving melodies that were, quite literally, 'music to my ears'. I did not see a single person hesitate or move on to a wrong verse, and every note was in tune and harmonious. It was a real pleasure to listen to!
It's a testament to the quantity of extra interest in the show that I have only now come onto the acting itself, what we were there to see after all! It really was a joy to watch. Comedy from George Hannigan, Jacoba Williams, Rowan Turner-Powell and Matt Childs, as Trinculo, Stephana, Gonzalo and Adrian, had me in stitches. Their comedic timing and teamwork was the source of utmost hilarity and had me belly-laughing on multiple occasions. Many other characters also revealed the nuances of Shakespeare's language to give elements of humour elsewhere (exemplifying the cast's perfect understanding of the language!), but this group in particular caused an uproar! Accompanying Stephana and Trinculo, came the lumbering figure of Sam Hotchin, perfectly cast as Caliban. This performance was truly fantastic and would have easily been at home in the Globe itself. He revealed every facet of despair and outrageousness that the character deserves; a fantastic performance! Mirroring this creature with an almost opposite character, but played with equal skill and finesse came Chloe Jones, portraying Prospero. This is one of the most daunting undertakings possible throughout Shakespeare, but it was tackled head on and turned into one of the single greatest performances I have ever seen; certainly my favourite Prospero. Coming to assist her every beck and call was a synchronised and perfectly polished team consisting of Ariel and her gang (Ronni Mevorach, Laura Dowsett, Luca Hoffman, Aiden Richards, Alex Earle, Mark James, Priya Edwards and Rosie Nisbet). This group was backed up by an ensemble of minors. This crew brought fantastic and daring physical theatre into the fray, with unparalleled dynamism and energy that seemed to invigorate the whole show! Bringing the elements of deceit and treachery though, were the characters you love to hate; Sebastian and Antonia (Jonni Dowsett and Bryony Lovell) This duo worked together sublimely and wove their evil schemes throughout. Journeying with them, came King Alonso, whose regal power conflicting with the wrecking loss of his son made it a difficult part to play, but one taken on with aplomb by Andrew Brown giving the audience a touching performance. Memorable cameos arrived in the form of the goddesses (Sarah Kemp, Helen Carter and Ella Otemewo) bringing serene grace and calm to the storm, and boatswain Ethan Tarr, comanding the mariners added further backing and interest to the story. Finally, the perfect couple of Gabriel Hudson and Sarah Middlemiss as Ferdinand and Miranda, showed a beautiful portrayal of the famous love story. This couple gave a wondrous performance that had the audience melting in front of them!
This whole show however, whilst relying on a strong cast, would have been impossible without the massive chorus. They truly brought the isle to life, lending their numbers to massive group scenes that were a marvel to watch.
Furthermore the fantastic lighting and sound effects created the perfect ambience and setting and the hard work of the technical team was evident and appreciated throughout.
This was easily my favourite Stage2 show that I have seen, and thoroughly deserves any and all praise afforded to it. A hearty congratulations to all involved!


-George Bandy age 16

Thank you for such a wonderful show; I can't wait to see it again!

Making the Tempest Front of House Board

First we came up with the 10 major things a FOH board need to be/have:

1) Interesting

2) Eye-catching

3) Relevant

4) Detailed

5) Personal

6) Textured

7) Clear

8) Presentable

9) Creative

10) Engaging 

Do you agree? What do you think is key for a front of house board? 

After a long, hard, rewarding day of cutting, sticking, painting, folding, creating and experimenting, Sarah Laura and I have completed the Front of House Display Board for The Tempest.

We began by collecting materials in the colour schemes of the show; rich earthy colours of the island as well as pastel and vibrant blues and greens of the sea, after being set the marketing task. 

We have matched the colour schemes to costumes, after visiting the RSC a few weeks ago to look at hire costumes, I realised how important linking characters to colours are and how to really create themes to make it clear to the audience. We wanted to use that same thought process when creating the board, deciding which areas need to be what colours and if they match the colour scheme of the character whose photo we put up. 

We collected in our ideas that were surprisingly similar and together created a map of the island.

Initially we tea stained white paper to give a worn and aged map and then added to the outline of the island on the panels of card.

The different textures key to add depth to a display, here we have used ribbons, felt, paint, tissue paper and card to create different elements.

 
Tissue paper for the sea, crate paper forest, Prosperso’s cell made from a bath sponge and felt for the land. These are only teasers come and see our finished product and our brilliant show 17th-20th April 2013 at the Crescent Theatre tickets available from 

http://www.crescent-theatre.co.uk/ at only £9.

 Or visit www.stage2.org for more information. 

Jacoba Williams

'task Ariel and all her quality'

http://www.crescent-theatre.co.uk/Y2013/stage2-tempest.html

Coming very soon...!

Stage2 invite you to...

William Shakespeare’s

‘THE TEMPEST’

Wed 17th – Sat 20th April 2013       NEXT WEEK!!!
7.30pm (+ Sat mat 2pm)
The Crescent Theatre, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B16 8AE
Tickets £9

Deservedly, one of Shakespeare’s most popular and commonly studied plays; The Tempest is “a storm” of betrayal, anger, love, manipulation and finally forgiveness, with scenes of action, comedy, romance, deep sadness and mystery - played by a rich assortment of colourful characters.

Stage2 has a long established history of performing clear and accessible productions of Shakespeare’s work to standing ovations and five star reviews. Very soon this talented group of young people will take to the stage once again to perform another brilliant Shakespeare classic. You will not want to miss it.

‘The inspired words of Shakespeare are safe in the wonderful young hands of the city’s Stage2’. Birmingham Evening Mail, The Tempest 2005

The Tempest is ideal for ‘Stage2 style’ plot twists and changes of characters’ sex e.g. we have a whole gang of Ariels, a female Prospero, Antonia and Stephana and no magic – just trickery! If you are studying the play we guarantee to inspire discussion and debate. This will also be an excellent first experience of Shakespeare as it is highly visual and fast-paced.

‘A team of talent, sublimely declining to put a foot wrong... A first night standing ovation, then yet again Stage2 sent its audience home in grateful and heady disbelief ’
Behind The Arras, Romeo and Juliet

After last year’s deep and dark Romeo and Juliet, here is a comic and colourful show that all ages will enjoy (At least once the storm has settled....!)

How to get hold of your tickets?

Contact the Crescent Box Office

Tel: 0121 643 5858 Web: www.crescent-theatre.co.uk



Excited about the show?

Check out the trailer...



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LAMDA Evening and Exam Day

I am sitting in the waiting room reflecting on this term's LAMDA teaching and the LAMDA evening. This term has been so quick and I am really proud of the work members have done in such a short space of time.

I am sure that those of you that attended the LAMDA evening would not have noticed that the vast majority of those kids had chosen those pieces just 7 weeks before!

‘I really enjoyed performing my piece at the LAMDA evening because I have worked so hard and it is exciting to show the audience so they can appreciate it too.’ Emily aged 13

LAMDA grades 1-5 are equivalent of GCSE exams and the Medals (grades 6,7 and 8) are an A level equivalent. The members of Stage2 that undertake tuition develop their performance skills at such a fast pace due to the open discussion, research and focus on them as an individual.



'I really value all the different things I have learnt, and the teaching is just so personal, and such a high standard I feel proud to have been taught by Stage2' Jacoba aged 20

Isn’t it great to see so many teenagers being confident enough to not only get up on stage in front of an large audience of family and friends but also to deliver such strong, passionate and emotive pieces.

‘I feel I have improved a lot and I’ve done things I wouldn’t have been able to do beforehand’ 
Meg aged 14

This LAMDA evening really tugged at the heartstrings with lots of serious pieces and performances that made me as a teacher exceptionally proud. We have had such positive feedback about the 2 Steven Berkoff pieces both performed by relatively new and inexperienced members of Stage2 and both totally engaged and involved in the texts. We spoke at the LAMDA evening about doing premiers of Berkoff’s work and with our recent production of GRAFT causing such a positive buzz and excitement in the company, we are strongly considering revising and restaging Requiem for Ground Zero so Berkoff fans look out for that!

‘This term has been really focused, detailed and enjoyable, I have gotten to a point now where I no longer feel nervous at LAMDA evenings but still love the adrenaline of doing a solo piece on stage’ Mark aged 15

We also had loads of Shakespeare at this term’s LAMDA evening which is always nice to see, when you have a 16 year old boy desperate to do Shakespeare and so excited they can’t choose which piece to do next, you know you are doing something right! It is great that all these performers knew exactly what they were saying and brought real life and vitality to these Shakespearian characters.

‘I found it really useful to analyse the text and play around with how it can be performed’ Gabriel aged 16

We finished the evening with an extract from The Tempest, which was really great and fantastic for parents, members of the workshops and members of staff who aren’t in rehearsals. We had such exuberance and skill from our 8 Ariels and a dignified and powerful performance from Chloe our female Prospero.

My pupils are arriving full of excitement and ready to show the examiner all the hard work they have put in.

‘The examiner was really nice and I think I was loud enough because I could hear my echo’ Izzy aged 10

Have you ever thought about taking a LAMDA exam? 

The Tempest Costumes from the RSC

On Monday Liz, Lucy, Jacoba and Sarah went to the RSC costume store in Stratford for a first look and ideas session for The Tempest costumes.

The RSC costume store is a wear house with over 3 floors packed full of exquisitely made costumes from past RSC productions. 

On the ground floor you have Tudor, Elizabethan, Jacobean and old English consumes, on the first floor you have Regency to Victorian and Fantasy (where we spent most of the day) and on the top floor shoes, boots, military, broken down costumes, more modern items and fat suits! 
It is amazing!





We had lots of ideas for The Tempest costumes and got stuck straight in, up and down the familiar aisles spotting costumes we have used in other Stage2 shows. It brings back such fond memories. 

We headed straight for our villains costumes and saw some stunning black dresses and suits for Sebastian and Antonia!

We stayed with the court group and looked at cloaks for Alonso. We looked for opulence and rich tones keeping them very separate from the pale colours in the Islanders costumes.








We also came across a stunning cloak with beautiful plants and leaves embroidered on it, that may make an appearance in 
Act 5...








We then had a great time looking for Prospero and Miranda costumes and we found some great combinations of things, it will be hard to finally choose when we go back for the final choices. (We did have a moment of thinking 'why aren't there more dresses for Prospero?!' then remembered that making her female is yet another adaptation that Stage2 has made!) 

We have decided to go with light fabrics: silks, gossamers, cotton and muslin. We also like the idea of layering disytressed fabrics and washed out colours. 

By the time the play begins Miranda and Prospero have been on the Island for at least 10 years so the sun and sea will have bleached their clothes and they would be using underclothes and other things from around the Island to create their clothes.

 It is very important that for any on stage costumes you think about the way the fabric catches the light and how washed out or vivid you want the fabrics to be. 

It is also so important to link the 

groups of characters together through costumes. 

When we are doing Shakespeare plays at Stage2 we like to show status, morality and relationships through costume.

 We spoke a lot about the groups of characters that are related and on stage together such as Ferdinand who although he needs to look like part of the Kings Family he also spends most of his scenes with Miranda and they need to match and connect through costume.

We then looked for costumes for our Goddesses,   Jesters and Harpy which was so great thinking about how beautiful, funny and scary we can make these characters. 

There are also some fun scenes that require some interesting costumes and the RSC have lots of them too...














We really enjoyed our day and can wait for you to see all the costumes we have chosen in The Tempest by Stage2 Youth Theatre
get your tickets now