All for Women and Women for All! 'The Tempest' at the Brockley Jack Theatre, London

The Brockley Jack Studio Theatre is a brilliant space above an enigmatic pub in Crofton Park, South London. With their ethos boasting 'celebrating creativity,' why wouldn't you like it? Their programme presents a diverse theatre mix throughout the year, and what would be more diverse than an all-female production of The Tempest by our well celebrated Mr. Shakespeare? But surely it wouldn’t work, as you’re meant to have men AND women? Wrong. With the consideration that before the Restoration era began in 1660 women were not even allowed on stage, as well as this being the 100 year anniversary of women actually gaining some form of vote, I believe this is a triumph for women in theatre.

Produced by Controlled Chaos, the all-female dark comedy is a celebration of talent from all mediums. From the obvious acting to historical dance, and originally composed live music from actor-musicians, these women create a compelling and dry witted show. With an edited version of the play, the show currently stands at two hours running time and is the perfect timing for what Controlled Chaos achieves (especially with having a bar downstairs and a large glass of wine to keep you company). The theatre company is run by Co-Artistic Directors Dylan Lincoln and Paul Anthony. Their twitter bio states that Controlled Chaos is ‘Aiming to make theatre all inclusive both on stage and off,’ and in this particular production it certainly does that statement justice.

The cast boasts an array of talented women, from recent graduates of the prestigious East 15 drama school to a lawyer fresh on the acting scene. Newcomer to the company Jo Bartlett plays the powerful Prospero. She uses poetic flair and has such a way with the text that she is able to create the narrative in akin to the waves of a real tempest. She is bold, soft, and climactically raging all in one. This is complemented by Carmella Brown as the nymph-like Ariel, who, with flit and flounce, beautiful song and even the addition to a flute brings an ethereal presence of mischief that even A Midsummer Night's Dream's Puck would be proud of. Michelle Pittoni as the airy, feral, and contemporary tomboy Miranda, left on the Island to her own devices to learn from her father, simultaneously provides comic timing with her realisation of the male species. She is wide-eyed and curious throughout, while also having the same softness as her father.

Yet it is the trio of Stefano, Trincullo, and Caliban who grab the most laughs with their comedy stylings. Ceri Ashe and Kimberley Capero are a well-tuned comedy duo with elements of commedia del'arte streaming through them as they parade the stage. They embody the characters from their voices right down to their toes. Kate Sketchley's Caliban is a welcoming addition to the scenes as a physical, bounding, yet emotion-filled Islander with enough resentment to hold her own. She is clear throughout and full and fierce.

Director Dylan Lincoln has created a show with real flavour and enough light and shade to entice even the non-Shakespeare lovers to a truly well-displayed production. The thing I loved best about this production is I never felt like I was watching women on stage, but people playing their roles. Having gone to an all-girls school throughout my teenage years, I was very used to only seeing women on stage in productions, so not only did this production hit me with a tinge of nostalgia, but it was warming to see different women coming together to create, play, and support the growing movement of women taking the stage in this industry.

The Tempest runs at the Brockley Jack Studio theatre from Tuesday 13 February – Sat 3 March at 7.30PM (no performances: Sunday, Monday. Suitable for 12+). Tickets: £15, £12 concessions. For full details please see here.