Flare Path - Theatre Royal Haymarket

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Trevor Nunn remains in the director’s chair for the latest production to head to the stage of the Haymarket Theatre. This time it is a staging of “The Tempest” that will have audiences flocking to the West End theatre and not only will they experience the latest version of Shakespeare’s classic play they will also witness Ralph Fiennes in a lead role. It will be the third production to appear at the venue under the watch of Nunn following his recent appointment as Artistic Director of the Haymarket Theatre, which also sees him direct “Flare Path” early in 2011, followed by “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead”. “The Tempest” then opens in August.

Ralph Fiennes is a famous actor whose acclaimed work has spanned the stage and screen. In the former category his credits include “Oedipus the King” at The National Theatre in 2008, “God of Carnage” at the Gielgud Theatre in 2008, “Brand” at the Haymarket Theatre in 2003 and “The Talking Cure” at the Cottesloe National Theatre, among others. Many of those picking up Theatre Tickets for “The Tempest” will also recognise him from movies like “The English Patient”, “The Constant Gardner”, “Red Dragon” and the renowned “Schindler’s List”.

“The Tempest” is William Shakespeare’s classic 1610/1611 play that focuses on Prospero, the Duke of Milan, and his banishment out at sea. Having been usurped by his brother Antonio he is forced out of his kingdom and after happening upon an island out at sea he conjures up a new home for himself and his daughter. But Prospero wants his daughter to obtain her rightful place in Milan and decides to seek vengeance on those that betrayed him, conjuring up a gigantic storm that lures the treacherous foes to the island and bringing them to his side. It is a story that has been popular since the Restoration and is regularly performed around the world.

This version of “The Tempest” appears in the London theatre scene following the recent high-profile movie that appeared in cinema screens with Dame Helen Mirren taking on the lead role in the re-imagining of the original text. Though this new play has no connection with this production it demonstrates the appetite that audiences and producers have for this classic text, so expect show to be a popular one when it opens in 2011.

The Tempest is at the Haymarket Theatre from Tuesday 6th September 2011 (previews from Saturday 27th August 2011) to Saturday 29th October 2011.