The Tempest/Antony and Cleopatra
12 July – 4 September 1999
Magdalen College School Grounds
THE TEMPEST INTRODUCTION
The banks of the River Cherwell became an ideal venue for the shipwrecked isle in The Tempest. Magic, sorcery, mysterious music, chimes and whispering trees added to the play's atmosphere of shadowy intrigue. Full theatrical use was made of the surroundings with characters making entrances by boat, and the outdoor venue lit by twinkling lanterns. Directed by Joanna Read (Salisbury Playhouse, Bolton Octagon, Birmingham Rep), The Tempest continued despite Gary Bates (Ariel) breaking his arm during one of the show's early previews!
REVIEWS
"The setting couldn't be more appropriate for Joanna Read’s production of Shakespeare’s final play. An island on the river Cherwell stands in for Prospero’s magical realm. Creation Theatre Company have been creating outdoor performances at this spot for several years and they always hit the mark."
THE GUARDIAN
"Set on a magical island, you can almost imagine yourself there with the characters, the river flowing gently by and all the enchanted beasts coming to life before you in this beautifully constructed performance.
…The enthralling Prospero of Ewan Thompson casts a spell over everyone present and his subjects are all suitably humbled before him."
READING EVENING POST
ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA INTRODUCTION
A 'fast-paced, dramatic and entertaining' production, Antony and Cleopatra was the second of Creation's 1999 summer Shakespeare plays. It marked a first for the company; staging two productions in rep during the peak holiday season - a practice which continues into Creation's 10th Anniversary and beyond! With well-choreographed battles scenes, imaginative props and delightful music, the quality of the show was not marred by the fact that the leading lady - Julie-Ann Gillit - broke her foot a few days before opening night!
REVIEWS
"Her (Gillit's) crutches became props, waving them for attention, poking unwanted pursuers, whirling in rage and nearly decapitating the wretched messenger, cast aside in moments of despair."
THE OXFORD TIMES
"A minimalist but stylish production...The underlying humour and satirical wit is well conveyed. Gary Bates was superb as Octavius Caesar, an effective patrician performance, from his first entrance, both vocally and physically belying his natural height. he encapsulates Caesar's calculating character and dominated the stage."
WEEKLY INFORMATION