The Tempest

Overview

Prospero, a potent magician, lives on a desolate isle with his virginal daughter, Miranda. He's in exile, banished from his duchy by his usurping brother and the King of Naples. Providence brings these enemies near; aided by his vassal the spirit Ariel, Prospero conjures a tempest to wreck the Italian ship. The king's son, thinking all others lost, becomes Prospero's prisoner, falling in love with Miranda and she with him. Prospero's brother and the king wander the island, as do a drunken cook and sailor, who conspire with Caliban, Prospero's beastly slave, to murder Prospero. Prospero wants reason to triumph, Ariel wants his freedom, Miranda a husband; the sailors want to dance.

Directed by Derek Jarman

Top cast

Heathcote Williams

Prospero, the Right Duke of Milan

Toyah Willcox

Miranda, his daughter

Karl Johnson

Ariel, an airy spirit

J

Jack Birkett

Caliban, a savage and deformed slave

Peter Bull

Alonso, the King of Naples

David Meyer

Ferdinand, his son

N

Neil Cunningham

Sebastian, his brother

Richard Warwick

Antonio, his brother

Christopher Biggins

Stephano, a drunken mariner

P

Peter Turner

Trinculo, his friend

Ken Campbell

Gonzalo, an honest councillor

E

Elisabeth Welch

A Goddess

C

Claire Davenport

Sycorax

K

Kate Temple

Young Miranda

H

Helen Wellington-Lloyd

A Spirit

A

Angela Whittingham

A Spirit

Details