The Tempest

Class Act Theatre, established in 1994 as a Theatre in Education Company, before branching into mainstream shows, presents its final ever show. This production of The Tempest, directed by Stephen Lee, who has over 100 Shakespeare productions under his belt, is set in a Star Trek come Lost in Space Universe, where Prospero’s Cell is an “antique” Spaceship on a small, lonely planet called The Island.

The opening scene, (or the tempest scene) set in a spaceship, projected onto the rear wall, where we meet people from different planets such as Milan, and a crew in Star Trek inspired uniforms. Nicely filmed, under the direction of Stephen Lee, cuts and green screen feel a little retro, and we get our first glimpse of the Space meets Tudor costuming from Merri Ford and the highly creative makeup from Yvette Drager Wetherilt.

We then get a good look at our desert planet, cleverly designed by Elisa Perger, complete with derelict spacecraft, supplies and “rocky” ground. Lighting design from Kat Brieden successfully suggests other areas of the island and Gigi Brand provides a highly supportive and fun sound design.

Kim Parkhill, I think Perth’s fifth female Prospero in a row, has wonderful authority and a warm, believable relationship with daughter Miranda, a recent WAAPA graduate who gives a sweet but strong performance. Their servant - sprite Ariel is a Lost in Space style Spaceperson, played with charm by Shirley Sandon in a costume by Catherine Higgins. Slave Caliban was played by director Stephen Lee on opening night, at very short notice, replacing an absent Ben Gill.

Nobles Alonso (Matt Penny), the double-crossing Duchess Antonio (Angelique Malcolm), kind Gonzalo (Liz Hoffmann) and Sebastian (Jordan Gallagher) are accompanied by the Ship’s Captain (Natalie Louise) and form a strong group as they wander the island subject to the meddling of Ariel.

Ship’s crew Trinculo (Laura Djenegara) and Stephano (Taran Knight) provide some well-timed comic relief as drunken pals, while Calum Hughes as Ferdinand, marooned alone, is a lovely romantic lead and partner for Miranda. Co-producer (with Angelique Malcolm) Greg Pascoe completes the cast nicely, in his cameo at the Boatswain.

This fun, futuristic yet nostalgic Tempest is a lovely way for Class Act to depart. A very memorable production.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer:  Bruce Howard