The Genesian Theatre Company’s recent production of ‘The Tempest’, directed by Roger Gimblett, was a high spirited, good natured production.

The story to ‘The Tempest’ is that twelve years prior to the play commencing Prospero, the Duke of Milan and his three year daughter Miranda are awoken at midnight by a coup orchestrated by Prospero’s brother Antonio in league with Alonso, King of Naples. Prospero and Miranda are bundled on board an unseaworthy boat and left to the mercy of the seas.

The wise old Counsellor Gonzalo ensured the boat held some provisions and by providence they survive and land on a small island. There Prospero finds Ariel, an airy spirit, and Caliban, the abandoned son of a witch previously banished to the island.

As the action of the play commences, Prospero through his magic art, has discovered that his brother Antonio, Gonzalo, Alonso and Alonso’s brother and son are passing the island on board a ship after returning from Alonso’s daughters wedding in Tunis. Prospero summons a storm…it appears to be a perfect opportunity for revenge.

There were some fine performances in the cast. Michael O’Connell was an impressive Prospero, dominating the stage, with his large stick with which he cast his magic spells. Lilianna Komljenovic was a suitably litheful spirit as Prospero’s daughter Miranda who falls in love with the handsome Orlando who was supposed to have drowned. Emily Twemlow was fetching as the
wonderfully airy spirit Ariel. Tom Massey was impressive as the playful monster spirit Caliban. It was unfortunate that on opening night the actor Alan Hayter who played Alonso, the King of Naples, had trouble remembering some of his lines.

‘The Tempest’ had the usual beautifully realised, celebratory happy endings with weddings that is typical of Shakespearean comedies.

A good brand of Elizabethan music greeted the audience as they took their seats and at different times during the play. Lissa Knight’s costumes for the cast worked well, as did Michael Schell’s lighting design.