The Tempest
- Children's version
Mechanics Hall, Hobson Street Stratford.
Directed by Anita Hensen. An experienced theatrical performer and musician, with successful children’s productions to her credit. This performance will be one not to miss
The involvement of students from St. Patrick’s and Stratford Primary Schools has been one of the enduring features of our festival. Always colourful and imaginative, these productions have given children the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in some of literature’s most famous plays. These performances have been enthusiastically received by audiences of all ages; something the Bard himself, seen in his own time as the people’s playwright, would have applauded. “The Tempest” is set on an island, to which Prospero and his daughter Miranda have been banished by the evil Antonio, Prospero’s brother. It explores the themes of love and reconciliation, but with much comedy and a heavy dash of magic. There is a young hero, of course, Ferdinand, the son of Alonso, the King of Naples. Unfortunately, the king was part of the plot to banish Prospero, so when Ferdinand falls in love with the heroine Miranda, there will be complications. But, Prospero aided by magic and his servant Ariel, brings all to a happy conclusion. “The Tempest” is seen as Shakespeare’s final play and certainly it is one of his most charming.