Review: THE TEMPEST, Brighton Open Air Theatre

The Tempest follows the antics of a number of stranded voyagers on a remote island. This particular production is presented by The Lord Chamberlain's Men, an all-male outdoor theatre company founded in 2004, named after Shakespeare's original acting troupe.

The seven actors play multiple parts throughout. Their take on The Tempest debuts at Brighton Open Air Theatre before an extensive UK tour. Rather ironically, the rain came after the opening storm-set scene on this particular evening.

Former Duke of Milan, Prospero (Danaan McAleer) and his daughter Miranda (Simon Jenkins) are on the island after being exiled from Milan. Twelve years later, Prospero's brother, Antonio (Ronnie Yorke), who betrayed Prospero to claim his title, ends up serendipitously on the same island along with Alonso, King of Naples (Patrick Neyman), his son Ferdinand (Yorke) and a number of companions. Due to the chaotic storm, the men have become separated from the rest of the crew.

Prospero, who has learned the art of sorcery during his exile, is the one who orchestrated the storm in an attempt to reunite himself with his contemporaries. His servant sprite Ariel (William Pennington) spies on the various groups of travellers trying to make their way around the island, reporting to Prospero, while also causing magical mischief himself.

Jenkins plays Miranda with a very convincing light, feminine air, while also getting to show off his sword-yielding skills as Sebastian, Alonso's brother - who has a similar jealous little brother attitude as Antonio towards the King.

Yorke is particularly charming as Ferdinand, the young prince who becomes separated from his father, and who falls for Miranda. Meanwhile, Pennington dances on air as nimble Ariel. His graceful portrayal is in itself magical.

McAleer commands the stage as Prospero. His monologue at the end, which asks the audience for applause so that he might be able to finally leave the island, delights the crowd.

Reece Richardson plays Caliban, a savage who has long roamed the island, with a beastly quality. His scene with Duncan Mitchell (the King's drunken butler) and Patrick Neyman (the King's jester) is a humorous highlight, as the butler in his inebriated state believes he has come across a rare four-legged creature with two voices.

Mitchell, Richardson and Neyman are particularly fetching in flower crowns as spirits later on in the show, which garners chuckles from around the arena.

The men speak and sing throughout with poise and clarity. Their inclusion of the famous English folk song "Now is the Month of Maying" is a lovely addition to the celebratory wedding scenes between Miranda and Fernando.

It would be unfair to comment much on the design, since the producer announced at the top of the show that the van containing all of their costumes, set and props had been stolen in London earlier that week. They'd managed to scrabble together a set of semi-coordinating costumes to group King Alonso and his companions together, which did not detract from the performance.

The rustic wooden frame and paint-splattered fabric screen set wouldn't look out of place in a piece with a rustic/minimalist design. It was mightily impressive to have replaced so much in such a short space of time.

Despite this, as the producer said, the Lord Chamberlain's Men retained the spirit of their performances without their usual sets and costumes in this delightful island adventure.

The Tempest at Brighton Open Air Theatre until 25 May and then on tour

Photo credit: Brighton Festival