CURTAIN UP ON CLASSIC SHAKESPEARE AT LITTLE THEATRE

Preparations are underway at a popular Chester theatre for the staging of a classic Shakespeare drama.

Chester Little Theatre will stage William Shakespeare's "The Tempest" from Saturday 8^th March - Saturday 15^th March at 7.30pm. The production will be directed for Chester Little Theatre by Kell Cowley and is set to be staged in the Liz Stafford Auditorium.

Written by Shakespeare probably between 1610 and 1611, "The Tempest" is one of his most fantastical works. It tells the story of the exiled Duke and sorcerer, Prospero, who conjures up a storm to shipwreck the King of Naples and (in this production) his traitorous Sister Antonia on the enchanted island where he has long been marooned. Meanwhile, Prospero’s slave, Caliban, plots to overthrow his master and take back the island for himself. The play contains music and songs that evoke the spirit of enchantment on the island. It explores many themes, including magic, betrayal, revenge, and family.

Chester Little Theatre's fresh interpretation of the play gives a contemporary edge to this much-loved classic that offers casting opportunities to actors of all ages and genders.

Speaking about the production, the play’s director Kell Cowley said:

"It was Shakespeare that first brought me to Chester Little Theatre a decade ago when I was cast in its 2015 production of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream". When given the chance to direct my first play in the main auditorium, it was Shakespeare I was yearning to return to with my favourite of his works, "The Tempest". This supernatural tragicomedy is known to be the Bard’s final play and it is easy to perceive Shakespeare himself in the marooned sorcerer Prospero, conjuring a last wondrous spectacle for those whom he has shipwrecked on his enchanted island."

Kel added:

"My first challenge with "The Tempest" was writing my own adaptation of its 400-year-old script, making it tighter and more accessible to a contemporary audience. It is also the most musical of Shakespeare’s works, with five songs and three instrumental pieces, all of which were composed by myself and a wildly talented group of local musicians. With all this pre-production, The Tempest has been a passion project almost a year in the making. I’m thrilled to finally be bringing it to Chester Little Theatre's main stage with an exceptional cast and crew."

Full details of "The Tempest" and all upcoming productions at Chester Little Theatre can be found at: 

www.chesterlittletheatre.co.uk 

...where tickets can be booked online.

Alternatively, contact the TicketSource box office on:

0333 666366

Pictured - (L-R): Leah Jones (as Trinculo), Haluk Saglam (as Caliban) and Nuri Ucuncu (as Stephano) in rehearsals for Chester Little Theatre's upcoming production of "The Tempest".