In The Tempest, Shakespeare explores the relationship between humanity, the environment and our connection with nature. A Scottish cast is led by Ian McDiarmid as Prospero in this play of magic, romance and revenge, situated within the context of our current global climate crisis. Audiences are transported to Prospero’s island of chaos and disorder; the island is ‘full of noises’ and the play’s cataclysmic opening storm is created out of news items about the climate emergency.
As Shakespeare’s most musical play, original Scottish music composed by Pippa Murphy interweaves throughout – to ethereal and magical effect – enhanced by Ariel’s songs realised in binaural sound.
Cast
- Prospero: Ian McDiarmid
- Caliban: Joseph Arkley
- Sebastian: Maggie Bain
- Gonzalo: Maureen Beattie
- Stefano: Sandy Grierson
- Antonio/Boatswain: John MacKay
- Alonso: Forbes Masson
- Ferdinand: Noof Ousellam
- Trinculo: Owen Whitelaw
- Miranda: Helena Wilson
- Ariel: Madeleine Worrall
- Ceres: Julia Daramy-Williams
- Sound Designer: Eloise Whitmore
- Composer: Pippa Murphy
- Producer/Director: Gaynor Macfarlane
A Scotland-Drama production for BBC Radio 3
