Finally! A re-working of one of Shakespeare’s finest texts delivered with conviction and compassion. Hammerpuzzle are a young company, formed in 2007 and are graduates from Bath Spa University returning to Edinburgh with another adaptation of the bard’s work. The Tempest follows the magician Prospero (the rightful Duke of Milan) and his teenage daughter Miranda who have been shipwrecked on an island for twelve years. Prospero instigates a storm, ship wrecking his brother Antonio and associate noble men who played a part in exiling Miranda and her father at sea. A tale of love, magic and forgiveness.The cast form a wonderful ensemble. Their harmonies ring out beautifully and their movements are precise and together, showing they have worked with each other for a long period of time. Their delivery of the text is beautiful, joyful and poetic and the actors have a clear understanding of what they are saying. I particularly enjoyed performances from Tamsin Kennard (Miranda/Gonzalo) and Rebecca Hammond (Trinculo/Sebastian) who both have hauntingly beautiful voices. Hammond’s comic timing with the drunk Trinculo is spot on and not over the top. The script has been carefully adapted as the company ‘literally smash something apart and piece it back together again in a new and accessible way’. The re-framing of the script by Kennard opened up the company’s thoughts on loneliness, hope and a sense of belonging, without forgetting the humour. As Gryphon Venues are new this year, not many people at the Fringe will know a lot about the venue, which was reflected in the numbers of bums on seats. This was a shame because this was a wonderful show with a stellar cast. I have high hopes for this young company and I look forward to their return to Edinburgh next year.
