The Richmond Shakespeare Society's summer show was directed by Stephen Scammell. The director's use of an open air theatre in the round, a great innovation for the society's annual production, was very effective.

The use of a smaller compact playing area, surrounded on four sides by lower banks of seats, intensified the action of the play and contributed to the impression of the set representing a desert island.

The scene in which Prospero, excellently played by Ciaran Hassett, is recounting the events, leading up to their being marooned on the island, to his daughter Miranda (Sue Baxter), is enhanced by the clever device of the villains being unmasked one by one.

Jay Wright is to be congratulated for his impressive portrayal of Caliban, given far greater focus in this production than I have seen previously, brought out the humanity of the deformed slave. Prospero, although usurped by his brother Antonio is clearly seen as the usurper of poor Caliban's island.

Barry Evans, as Antonio the chief conspirator against Prospero, and also against Alonso (Gerald Baker), gave a well-defined performance, with just the right touch of menace.

Helen Linstead was a very powerful Ariel, the airy spirit, dominating all the scenes in which she appeared. Atired in a spectacular costume, designed and made by Juanita Almazan, she spoke her lines with fine articulation and moved about the stage with great athleticism and panache.

The comic relief was supplied by Messrs Best and Mitelman, who gave us very amusing performances.

Stephen Scammell and the RSS are to be congratulated in daring to use the sunken garden of York House in a different and successful way.

This production has been entered for the Richmond Drama Awards.

George Hillier