This is going to be a long post, literally: there are lots of photographs of Spud’s school’s production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Expect gushing: I burst with so much pride after watching him, I think I lost weight.
The play sold out and with good reason – it was a fabulous production, full of life and noise and rage.
I suggest you play the video while you read: it is the music from the production and it really helps to create the mood.
Prospero and Ariel, creating the tempest.
Ariel was a cast of thousands, it seemed – about twenty in actuality. The effect was – dare I say it? – magical. Ariel is a spirit who enables Prospero to work his magic. Mrs Moffat, the director, was inspired in her use of many actors as one character. The sense of Ariel being all over the island, as the text suggests, was brought vividly to life on a simple yet effective set. The actors shared Ariel’s lines, which enhanced the effect.
No fancy set building, just the clever use of props, sound and lighting.
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A tender moment between Prospero and his daughter, Miranda
Spud studied the text, watched selected scenes from other productions, discussed the character with Mrs Moffat and decided he was going to be an angry Prospero, hating those who usurped his position as rightful Duke of Milan but prepared to put that aside for the sake of his beloved daughter.
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How now, moody?
A stern Prospero, putting Ariel in its place.
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Potential suitors, beware!
Are you listening, Ferdinand?
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The evil Sebastian (on the left)
The King’s brother – slightly camp, wholly malevolent and brilliantly played.
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Be not afeared; th’isle is full o’ noises…
The spirits torment Caliban
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You are three men of sin…
The Harpies
My son’s performance aside, this was my favourite moment in the play – the Harpies were truly terrifying.
The moment they advanced on the bad guys and let out a collective scream, the whole audience jumped in their seats. I have goosebumps just thinking about it.
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Prospero, sad and reluctant, abjures his rough magic and frees Ariel at last
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Spud in the coat which he’d really like to have worn as Prospero
I can say with no bias and complete honesty – what a night of oblectation!
For more photos on the school’s website, go here.
The Laughing Housewife 
Awesome! He looks so …. professional! It must have been marvelous sitting in the audience and watching your own son mesmerize the crowd. It is truly mind-blowing to see your child become a person in his own right and Spud sure demonstrated that this night!!! Congratulations to him, and to you, too. 🙂
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Thank you!
*Glows with pride*
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Superb post – you really took us with you. I think you must look forward to more dramatic interludes after this success. He’d be great as a romantic hero, as well as an angry Prospero. I bet he has a fan club at school!
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What marvelous photos! Spud looks fabulous! I’m sure he was splendid! You must have been so proud. Does have have a fan following at school now? Thanks for sharing these photos with us.
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Loved this! The Tempest is one of my favorites from Shakespeare. You are right about the genius behind the many playing the spirit world. And that “tender moment” shot of Spud — all I can say is “potential suitors beware!!!” 😉
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A minor mark of genius, in the sparity of the set. Each of the several characters stands clearly out of the company — Please tell Spud that I am extremely impressed, and ask him to pass kudos to the whole company. This must have been a great show live!
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I will and it was, thanks!
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thanks so much for sharing your pictures. I felt like I was right there with you enjoying it all
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In just a year’s time, Spud’s features have become those of a man. I could really sense the command Spud exuded on stage just from the photographs so I can only imagine how it must have been seeing him live, tremendous! You and the Hub must have been non stop with the goosebumps, I’m so happy for all three of you!!
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😀 😀 😀
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I suppose a lot of people may be upset now … but I don’t like Shakespeare – don’t ask me why, but we have never clicked – have seen a couple of film based on his work, but it doesn’t happen to me.
Fantastic post here, Linda … and with your son in the play I understand why the whole experience has become special to you. Maybe it’s because he has written in poem style (don’t know the real name for it) – because that I can’t click with neither.
Really good photos …
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The Hub took the photos 🙂
Shakespeare is not to everyone’s taste – lots of Brits don’t like him, including my husband 🙂
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Well looks like a wonderful production…congrats to the players!
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For me the most interesting thing about the tempest is that this play and Shakespeare’s other play about a shipwreck (will remember the name when I log off…HaHa) is based on a real historical event. The ship was caught in a terrible storm and went aground on Bermuda. Most of the passengers (bound for the English Colony of Jamestown or Roanoke) died. A terrible event, and Shakespeare got wind of it and used it well. Love the scenes. Would liked to have seen the play in person…one of my favorites. Spud looks great. What a handsome young man he is, with a large female fan club, I am sure. Look out Mom. Dianne
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Bravo, excellent, wonderful, marvellous! *Standing ovation* And that’s just from reading your post and looking at the photos – it must have been a hundred times better to have been there live.
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Oh.So.Marvelous. Would have loved to see this — but kinda feel like we did! And Bravo Spud. I don’t know why, but he has a Martin Freeman quality about him. Who I love, so I do hope he considers that a compliment.
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You are right, the music playing accentuates your photos and description perfectly. Splendid production it seems. Plus you know I love proud parent posts. 🙂
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I do 😀
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Gush away, dearie. You should be proud.
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Wow. A production–and a heritage–to be proud of!!!!
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Bravo! Bravo! Encore!
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It looks amazing – really professional. Well done Spud, and the whole cast.
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I could feel the atmosphere and felt like I was there with you.
Bravo to Spud and the company! Very well done.
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Your children are sooo talented!! Bravo, Spud!
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What wonderful photos! Felt like I was there. I can see why you are so proud. Awesome!
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