Children's Shakespeare company prepare to bring Tempest (From Sutton Guardian)

Children's Shakespeare company prepare to bring Tempest

12:30pm Wednesday 8th August 2012 in Theatre By Nick Hitchens

A Shakespeare company for children will begin rehearsing in the new year ahead of a tour of the Middle East.

Shakespeare 4 Kidz, run by former Croydon actor Julian Chenery, will take a musical version of The Tempest abroad next year – a speech from the play featured in the Olympics opening ceremony.

But before the group tours it will perform in Chenery’s home town. The group performed Romeo and Juliet last year and wants to produce a film version of the production.

Chenery, whose daughter Olivia played Juliet, said: “First into production will be S4K’s Romeo and Juliet and it is likely The Tempest will be our second film.”

The play tells how Prospero, the Duke of Milan, has magical powers and is usurped and exiled by his brother.

He lands on an island where for 12 years he brings up his daughter Miranda with only the misshapen Caliban and mischievous spirit Ariel for company.

Prospero conjures a storm that shipwrecks his brother and court on the island and then uses his magic to ensure a happy ending for all.

After Croydon the show tour the UK before embarking on a tour including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah in the UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar.

The Tempest; Fairfield Hall, Park Lane, Croydon; January 14 and 15, 2013. Tickets prices are yet to be confirmed.