REVIEW: The Tempest, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Photograph: Manuel Harlan

Certainly a show that lends itself to the wonderful outdoor space of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, The Tempest has been re-imagined for everyone aged six and over.  Philip Witcomb's set beautifully mimics a ship wreck with a central water pool and jet spray which the cast exploit to good effect. 

The show is prefixed with an introduction written by Sarah Gordon which establishes the characters and sets the scene, entreating the audience to lend a hand in creating the storm and adding a brilliant and helpful touch to the start of the show.

The performances are fantastically physical, Matt Cotsain as Ariel, in a bright white feathered costume, swings high above the action performing corde lisse acrobatics which really captures his spirit like qualities.  Michael Camp doubles spectacularly as the charmingly geeky Ferdinand and the scuttling monster Caliban who provides some very funny moments when combined with the inebriated Trinculo and Stephano played by Tom Silburn and John O'Mahony respectively.  Joseph Mydell as Prospero takes a calm and measured approach and Akiya Henry is enjoyable as the naive yet peppy Miranda who also doubles as the conspiring Antonio.   Throughout the show actors play musical instruments in songs composed by Olly Fox featuring clever use of percussion, along with saxophone, accordion, guitar and a haunting violin.

This is a lively production that can be enjoyed by young and old alike.