Theatre

The Tempest

The Old Sheriff Court, Glasgow

Marianne Gunn

Four stars

OUR revels were only just beginning as it became clear that this adaptation would stylishly re-boot one of William Shakespeare's most exotic – and troubling – plays. The Tempest is difficult to categorise as neither wholly comic or tragic, while it also attempts to engage with what it means to be "mankind", that arguably beauteous concept. Such themes make this an ambitious choice for the burgeoning talents of Scottish Youth Theatre's Summer Festival programme, now in its 40th anniversary year.

With some gender-related tweaks of casting under Mary McCluskey's direction, Prospero became Prospera, sonorously played by Thais Ramdani who completely entranced in the second act after her more challenging and overly-lengthy opening speeches. Daughter Miranda was perfectly captured by Skye Galloway, who brought both innocence and passion to the role, while her love interest Ferdinand had a striking presence in Allan Othieno's very fine portrayal. Elsa Strachan's Caliban (and her comedic interplay with Stephano and Trinculo, Lisa Gilroy and Stephanie Moir respectively) was also worthy of note, one of Shakespeare's most tragically misunderstood dramatic figures.

Probably the most effective device however was that Ariel, the sprite slave, was played by four young people representing the elemental forces. Speaking with the power of a Greek Chorus (a skill honed during last year's Thebans) they were reminiscent of Macbeth's witches at times and a Will o' the Wisp the next. An impressive laser machine was deployed by Callum Hutchison (the only male Ariel) but perhaps this could have been brought into the performance space a little more and used to greater and plot-related effect. Designed by Kenny Miller, with movement direction from Darren Brownlie, fortunate audiences can also expect corsets, crystal skulls and the most fabulously camp curtain call.