“Rough Magic” from Prospero and Ariel

Reviewed by Mary Alderson

We are tossed at sea as The Tempest begins on Stratford Festival’s opening night May 25. Never has such a storm, with lightning bolts and thunder rumbling, overtaken the ship as it nears the island where Prospero, the Duke of Milan, has made his home, after being banished from his Dukedom by his cruel brother Antonio. Eventually, the horrific storm subsides, and we find Prospero and his daughter Miranda on a beach littered with enormous sea shells. When Miranda falls asleep after the storm, Ariel, a spirit, appears and later we see Caliban, Prospero’s servant who is now a hideous beast with a long rat tail.

Antonio has conspired with Alonso, the King of Naples, to take over the Dukedom. Prospero has wisely used his time on the island learning magic, so when he finds out that his enemies are nearby on a ship, he conjures up a storm to shipwreck them on his island. Ariel uses magic and music to aid Prospero’s revenge plot and guide the shipwrecked characters to him.  Also on the ship is Alonso’s son Ferdinand who falls in love with Miranda. Eventually everyone comes together, all is forgiven and the young couple is matched up.

I have been fortunate enough to see three Tempests at Stratford Festival. As soon as I tell someone that, I’m asked how this production compares, or which was best. In 2005, I saw long time Stratford actor William Hutt play Prospero. Hutt, who was in his 80s, had previously played the role three times in Stratford, and although he moved slowly, he still had perfect command of the stage.

Then in 2018, we were supposed to see The Tempest on opening night, but a bomb threat cancelled the show. Here’s what I said about that: “There is magic when Prospero raises her staff.  Martha Henry in the iconic role of Prospero conjures the magic and holds our attention for over two and a half hours. But where was the magic back on May 28, The Tempest’s opening night?  Instead of an enchanted evening, we were threatened by a bomb and the show cancelled.  But perhaps there was some good magic after all:  instead of 2000 people being injured or worse, there was no explosion, and we are all able to enjoy the thrill of The Tempest on another day. While Richard Monette directed the 2005 version, it is fitting that both the 2018 Tempest and this week’s performance were directed by Antoni Cimolino, in his final season as Artistic Director. Cimolino had the opportunity to direct two very different Prosperos.

In all three productions, it is the character Prospero that makes The Tempest. William Hutt was of course, brilliant. Then Martha Henry, playing a female Prospero made it extra interesting, and she, too, handled it perfectly. Now, it’s Geraint Wyn Davies as Prospero, and he is also outstanding. His interaction with Ariel and Miranda creates a family feeling and Prospero becomes a fatherly figure. He grows kinder and perhaps wiser as the play progresses. Can I pick a favourite? No. How do they compare? They don’t. Each is so different.

Ashley Dingwell gives us an interesting Miranda. Since she lived on the island all her life, romance has escaped her, and it’s fun to watch her fall in love with Ferdinand, played well by Dakota Jamal Wellman. The spirit Ariel is charming in a female form, played sprightly and excitedly by Marissa Orjalo.  It is enjoyable to see the amazing Fiona Reid take on the role of Councilor, traditionally played by a male. Comedy is provided by Alonso’s chef Trincolo, played by Josue Laboucane, and Alonso’s butler Stephano, played by Ben Carlson. Jonathan Goad is fearsome and rather disgusting as the ugly Caliban.

Special mention goes to Costume Director Michelle Ashbourne for Caliban’s hideous monster costume with the rat-like tail that actually seems to move on its own, and Ariel’s fairy-like costume, full of magic.

The rest are all well-cast in their roles and handle various parts as sailors or members of the royal entourage.

The set is so interesting: first the realistic ship at sea in the storm, with the frightening thunder and lightning. Then the beach is covered with beautiful giant seashells of all different kinds. There are also colourful, huge, floating jellyfish. Then add the rotating mound, giving Prospero his perch, from which he can view his island. Special shout out to the cast members dressed as sea creatures or spirits who move the seashells and the mound.

The Tempest continues in repertory until October 24 at the Festival Theatre, Stratford. Tickets are available at the Stratford Festival at 1-800-567-1600, or check www.stratfordfestival.ca

Photo: Paul Dunn as Spirit (partially hidden), Geraint Wyn Davies as Prospero, Ashley Dingwell as Miranda, Dakota Jamal Wellman as Ferdinand and Jenna-Lee Hyde as Spirit (also hidden), The Tempest. Stratford Festival 2026. Photo by Ann Baggley.

The Tempest
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Antoni Cimolino
Music composed by Berthold Carrière
Performed by Geraint Wyn Davies, Ashley Dingwell, Marissa Orjalo, Jonathan Goad, David Collins, Dakota Jamal Wellman, Fiona Reid, Josue Laboucane, Ben Carlson, Gordon S. Miller, Micah Woods, et al.
Festival Theatre, Stratford
May 25 to October 24, 2026
Reviewed by Mary Alderson