The Tempest - Royal Shakespeare Company Review

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Thu 26 Jan 2023 - Sat 04 Mar 2023

The Tempest gets a refreshing overhaul in this RSC update - and it's far more than just Prospero being played by a woman. Clever tweaks make the essence of this dynamic play feel even more relevant.

Plastic pollution of the oceans and colonialism are undercurrents in this witty new version starring Alex Kingston. It's been 30 years since she graced the RSC's stage in Stratford-upon-Avon; back in the early 1990s during a season in King Lear and Measure for Measure. Now she's the main event in The Tempest at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre until March 4.

Although famous for TV roles from ER to Moll Flanders, Kingston's grounding in theatre is obvious. She's relaxed but a striking presence on stage as wronged Prospero, even when lurking in the shadows. She makes Shakespeare's prose, easy to understand and there's a warmth in her chummy asides to the audience.


Choosing this female lead, director Elizabeth Freestone offers a more sensitive, compassionate Prospero, seeking revenge on the enemies that left her stranded on a remote island. It makes her relatively quick change of heart towards forgiveness more understandable.

The maternal relationship between Prospero and her daughter Miranda(Jessica Rhodes) fits beautifully into the storyline. Kingston plays it as a multi-tasking middle-aged mum, desperate to find a nice boy for her daughter and canny enough to make her magical staff double up as a washing line pole.

Refreshing and heartfelt, it's a motherly camaraderie I haven't seen in traditional male-led versions before. Even more noticeable is the stranded pair's wardrobe of recycled clothes from whatever they can find, shown below.

They wear odd trainers and instead of a cloak, Prospero's patchwork robe is made from remnants of an orange lifejacket. It's a far cry from the often glamorous sets and costumes of previous productions to portray this magical isle. Yet the realism of these castaways rings true.



A climate emergency element is what lifts this production to another level. Pollution from the world has washed up onto the island's shores and lines the edge of the stage. Decay is everywhere, even on the stage's proscenium arch. Actors dip into the washed-up products throughout the early stages. It may seem random but it's carefully choreographed for often brilliant comic effect. If anything, it should win an award for the best use of accessories.

Never have I seen a backstory explained so hilariously than when Prospero grabs a variety of plastic bottles and containers. She depicts how her cunning brother Antonio usurped her as Duke of Milan with the help of King Alonso and his sister Sebastian in almost 'Blue Peter' fashion to her daughter.

The last time I saw this play here, the RSC used special effects to create a computerised Ariel with impressive Simon Russell Beale. This time wispish Heledd Gwynn, seen here, plays the spirit looking like an eco-warrior.



She's light on her feet and has an ethereal voice, put to good use when singing during her final exit. It all gels in well with this nature-themed, paired-back version.

While Kingston's Prospero is the most tender I've seen, any real harshness is directed towards enslaved Caliban. This complicated relationship has a touch of colonial legacy about it, especially when Caliban finally has the freedom to speak his original language.

Tommy Sim'aan, pictured below, gives an exhilarating and extremely physical performance as this 'monster', twisting and contorting Prospero's dark arts without any need for special effects.

The rest of Prospero's anger is saved for her brother. Jamie Ballard as Antonio is devilishly manipulative in a sharp suit that sets out the villains sharply against the ragged castaways.



Elsewhere on the island is King Alonso's son Ferdinand, who survived and happily wooing Miranda. These love scenes are light and frivolous fun that keep the tempo and comedy elements flowing.

There's sweet tenderness as the lovers twinkle keys on a washed-up piano and their betrothal ceremony is simply enchanting. Nature comes to the fore as goddess-like Rain, Sky and Earth celebrate their love before revealing the majestic forest beauty of the island.

This new RSC play is clever, tender, funny and full of exciting new interpretations that factor into the world we now live in. Kingston is a breath of fresh air as Prospero that enthrals throughout. This is ultimately a Tempest for our time.

Running time 2hrs 45 mins including an interval Until March 4, 2023, with tickets from the RSC website here

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