TEMPEST MUSICAL IS THE BEST YET!
Shakespeare 4 Kidz The Tempest - Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
Julian Chenery's new musical version of The Tempest is absolutely superb with his outstanding Shakespeare 4 Kidz company and is definitely the best of the company's shows I have seen, not only for the brilliance of the writing and staging and its attraction for audiences young and old, but for the sheer quality of its performances with not a weak link in the twelve-strong acting company.
It was not only the youngsters who raised the roof at the Pavilion at its close with applause but the adults were on their feet at the end giving the whole show a standing ovation.
Though this is very much an ensemble, the sheer strength and power of JASON LEE SCOTT's superb Prospero must top the acting credits. Jason has a magnificent speaking voice and his finale number was worthy of any hit in a top West End musical and the whole performance would get a top acting award by the London critics and judges.
Once again comedy is one of the strengths of this company's productions and the team of PAUL PARRIS, ED BURNSIDE and MATTHEW HODGSON as Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo have every one rolling in the aisles while MARK BRISBOURNE adds even more to the fun.
I particularly liked ALI JAMES' quick moving, flitting Ariel. She always had a twinkle in her eyes despite her protests about what she had to do under Prospero's dominant will. I shall also long remember her wonderful earthy dance in water boots in the masque.
The book keeps consistently to the Shakespearean original but makes one of the bard's plays - which is not an obvious choice for youngsters - just wonderful entertainment for them.
This production really must rate as one of the best of the many I have seen in the past couple of years and is technically immaculate from lighting to sound and settings to costumes. It is unbelievable that this standard is achieved with such a tough touring schedule over three months, with most stops just two days, and covering nearly all the UK.
All I can say is that I really look forward to Shakespeare 4 Kidz company's next visit to Southend!
JOHN GILES
Prod/Dir: Julian Chenery
Music: Matt Gimblett
Lyrics: Julian Chenery, Matt Gimblett
Assist dir/Chor: Louise Ekland
MD: Paul Reynolds
|
