The Tempest

[Kaybeelon]

Just read Simon Callow's entertaining account in last night's Evening Standard of how he tried to teach Shakespeare in Jamie Oliver's Dream School and I couldn't help thinking of Helen Mirren saying last night that their Tempest would still be watched in 20 years ... Not by these kids I would think
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/lifestyle ... -dreams.do

And thinking back to last night's screening there was just no drama in this drama. At no time did I ask myself the old question "Will he/she or won't he/she?" I didn't feel that there was anything at stake for anyone, that any of the characters really had much to lose (or gain), there were no serious obstacles in their way ... (and I am fairly sure that was not Shakepeare's fault - I remember seeing the Tempest at the Globe years ago with Vanessa Redgrave as Prospero and I seem to remember it was a lot more dramatic)

Perhaps they had done too many of the bonding exercises Felicity Jones spoke about?!
Shame! What a lost opportunity, they obvioulsy had money and a good cast (except for )

[prettyxcool]

How funny is that Kaybeelon? Fellow FMUK sitting together and we did not even know it! Shame Beate did not know to let me know that you were Kaybeelon, when I came to check out mcm's engagement ring (wow, mcm! love it!) ! I enjoyed the chat with Kaybeelon's OH too!

Quite disappointed by this. I was expecting something more magical and exciting. I love the Shakespearean language having studied it at school. Quite an eye opener though seeing the other side of Hawaii, volcanic, rocky and bare. Not sure about Russell Brand, playing himself Agree with Beate, Felicity Jones looked so much like Gemma Arterton, they could be sisters. I thought it was nice to have an intro by Dame Helen and Felicity Jones though, and enjoyed this part. 6/10, mainly for Dame Helen Mirren, and the landscape.

Here's some photos to share with you.
http://s1097.photobucket.com/albums/g35 ... es%202011/

[Beate]

How funny is that Kaybeelon? Fellow FMUK sitting together and we did not even know it! Shame Beate did not know to let me know that you were Kaybeelon, when I came to check out mcm's engagement ring (wow, mcm! love it!) ! I enjoyed the chat with Kaybeelon's OH too!

Erm, you were chatting to each other so I assumed you had met at Unknown. How was I to know that you hadn't, usually you introduce yourself or wear your FMUK badge at least!

[prettyxcool]

How funny is that Kaybeelon? Fellow FMUK sitting together and we did not even know it! Shame Beate did not know to let me know that you were Kaybeelon, when I came to check out mcm's engagement ring (wow, mcm! love it!) ! I enjoyed the chat with Kaybeelon's OH too!

Erm, you were chatting to each other so I assumed you had met at Unknown. How was I to know that you hadn't, usually you introduce yourself or wear your FMUK badge at least!

That's what I mean, you did not know!

[opas]

I need to thank the kind forum member who booked tickets for me for this. I didn't even realise I had them until the last minute. Haven't been able to post much as I'm in the process of moving house at the moment and it has been a complete nightmare, still don't have any internet at home and can just about browse the forum using my phone. Can't wait until things return to 'normal'!

Anyway, it was my first time at the Mayfair. Very impressive hotel, we were wowed. The screening room is nice but the seats are not particularly comfortable. Was a nice treat to have the introductions by Felicity Jones and Helen Mirren (didn't she look great).

I didn't think the film was awful, but I do have to admit some of the effects looked cheap and cheesy, but not in a good way. Considering the cast, I felt they were let down by it. Having seen The Tempest recently at the Old Vic, it was all very familiar - although I think I preferred my visit to the theatre.

In terms of positive aspects, I thought Mirren and Jones were good and I know others may disagree, but for me the dialogue was fairly clear and relatively easy to follow (I wonder if it has something to do with where I was sitting in relation to the speakers?). Didn't think the comedy characters were particularly funny though.

Perhaps this could be used as a teaching tool to support A Level students who won't get the chance to see a production - however, I'm not sure they will really enjoy it - 5.5/10.

[5rannoch]

I saw this at the Mayfair last week and I really liked it. I seem to like everything that others seem to dislike: Russell Brand, the way that Ariel is portrayed, the special effects, the zips on the clothing.

The Tempest was my A level play, so I was familiar with the story and so was not dependent on the dialogue.

My daughter and her boyfriend are going to p*y to see it later this week, partly on my recommendation and partly because of the trailer for this film. I will be interested to hear what they make of it.

[Kaybeelon]

I loved the zips, too!

[superhero]

Interview with Helen Mirren from the Tempest screening at the Mayfair:

http://www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/blog/2 ... -may-fair/

[Beate]

I haven't got sound on my office machine - has she mentioned Sex God Russell Brand?

[ejwrank]

I haven't got sound on my office machine - has she mentioned Sex God Russell Brand?

Oh yes, sex God Russell Brand was mentioned. Shame he wasn't as good as the billing given to him by Dame Helen.