We were pleased be the sponsors of the Chapterhouse Theatre production of "The Tempest" which took place in Shobrooke Park on Saturday 14 June.

It was a pleasant evening, dry and sunny, although a little cold for June.  The Chapterhouse production was excellent and was performed in the beautiful setting of the open air amphitheatre in front of the lake.

Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan and his daughter Miranda had been stranded on an island for twelve years after his brother Antonio deposed him and set them adrift.  The play opens as Prospero has raised a storm causing a passing ship carrying his brother to run aground on the island.  All on board survive, but are separated into different groups by the spirit Ariel who serves Prospero.

There are sub-plots of conspiracy, romance and rebellion.  Prospero works to establish romance between King Alonso's son Ferdinand and his own daughter Miranda.  Two of the sailors plot with Caliban, a deformed witches son brought up on the island and compelled to serve as Prospero's slave, to rebel against Prospero.  Antonio conspires with Alonso's brother, Sebastian, to kill Alonso so that Sebastian may become King.

Despite the various plots, all survive to the final scene where Ariel is set free, Caliban pardoned and the plotters forgiven.

It was a very strong cast, including an outstanding performance by James Franklin as Prospero.  Stuart Hudson gave an inspired interpretation of Caliban and Jennifer Burraston was superb as Ariel.

Our thanks to Jack and Clare Shelley for arranging a delightful evening and we look forward to Chapterhouse returning to Shobrooke Park.