From Lancashire Evening Post - Wednesday 7 July 2010
By Jenny Simpson
The Tempest, Dean Taylor Productions, at Avenham Park Pavilion
A beautifully sunny summer’s evening was perhaps not the ideal setting for a play which starts with a fierce storm. However, thanks to some lively performances from a talented cast and the benefits of live sound effects, the cast of The Tempest soon had the Avenham Park audience convinced that it was blowing a gale.
Dean Taylor Productions’ outdoor Shakespeare tours have become a summer staple in the North West and this production should only add to their reputation for delivering the Bard with panache and a sense of fun.
The Tempest starts dramatically aboard a ship struck by a storm off an island, as its passengers make their way back from a wedding in Italy. On shore is Prospero, a fallen duke who was usurped by his brother Antonio – one of those shipwrecked. Prospero decides to get his own back by using his magical powers to meddle with the new arrivals, with a little help from an invisible sea nymph, Ariel.
Rebecca Charnley is effervescent as the mischievous sprite, bounding around with youthful exuberance as she plays tricks and spies on everyone who has aggrieved Prospero.
Richard J Fletcher also adds to the good humour of the production with a comical turn as Caliban, Prospero’s uncouth servant who stomps around like a swamp creature as he plots against his master.
The cast enter the stage from all angles, including the narrow aisle between audience seats. It is little disconcerting to be quite so close to the action at first, but it helps the actors make best use of a confined space and makes for a more intimate performance.
Excellent live sound effects and lavish costumes helped transform a minimalist set into a lush, imaginary seascape. This was a fun performance which will continue to entertain as it makes its way around the region.
Vicki Baker – Primetime
“The music, costumes, and direction of the performances create a thoroughly enjoyable
experience for everyone who attended.”
Michael Nunn – Lancs Evening Post
“Bring a bottle,
a picnic and certainly bring the kids. But miss it at your peril. It doesn’t come
much better than this.”
Nazia Parveen – Preston Citizen
“David Beck as Petruchio exuded
testosterone and was well matched with Brigid Lohrey’s buxom Katharina as the battle
of the sexes commences.”
Di Prutton – The Blackpool Gazette
“With its simple, effective
staging, fast pace, robust physical comedy and lively contemporary touches. . . this
is a very watchable production.”
Phil Robinson – Cheshire News
“Dean Taylor Productions . . . every bit as good as the Royal Shakespeare Touring Company.”
