The Tempest with Kenneth Branagh

I live in an extraordinary village where my neighbour, a Shakespeare expert, organised early a coach trip for over 40 of us to go and see The Tempest at Stratford-upon-Avon.

I would’ve likely been too late to get a ticket otherwise as it’s a sold-out run, mainly because it signals the return of Sir Kenneth Branagh to the RSC after many years where he’s been off doing such little things like directing Thor movies and Hercule Poirot. Even without him, the tickets would’ve been going like hot cakes for this summer production. The Tempest is one of those plays that people like to go to - enigmatic characters, magical beings, wonderful lines of verse, and it’s short.

What’s been so delightful about the coach-load of us going is that I’ve had lots of people around me who saw the same performance. We’ve been talking about it non-stop. Lots of them are involved in the excellent local drama community, or scholars like my neighbour, so many had other versions to compare it to. Views ranged from one star to five. Happily I’m in the 5 star contingent. I also liked that, while enjoying this production, I disagreed with some of the directorial choices - but that adds to the fun as I re-direct in my mind. I do the same thing with books I like but wish did things differently.

Perhaps the most surprising take-home for me was that it isn’t a Ken Branagh play. Don’t go expecting Gilderoy Lockhart. He shares the main character energy with an excellent Miranda, Ferdinand, Ariel and Caliban. I appreciated his version of Prospero as conductor, music the magic - that was well done. I also liked his crystal clear delivery of the verse - as in Shakespeare’s day we come to hear, not see, a play. Plus, he made sure to address every corner of the audience - no one else did that - his blue eyes sweeping even the upper circle where I had my seat.

If you can sneak in to see it by getting a return on the day, it is worth it.