The Tempest
Book now to see The Tempest.
This winter, award-winning theatre maker Tim Crouch brings his unique, theatrical approach to Shakespeare’s The Tempest in the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
Discover MorePLOT SUMMARY
Written by William Shakespeare
Likely written in 1610-1611
Comedy
Key characters include Prospero, Miranda, Caliban, Ariel, and Alonso
O, brave new world that has such people in ’t! (Miranda, Act V Scene 1)
Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, conjures a violent storm at sea. He shipwrecks his enemies, including his usurping brother Antonio and the King of Naples, onto the island where he has lived for twelve years with his daughter Miranda.
Prospero controls the island and rules over its only other inhabitants, Caliban and Ariel. Caliban was born on the island and lived there with his mother, Sycorax, until her death. Although unseen in the play, Sycorax is portrayed by Prospero as an evil witch. Prospero claims that Sycorax enslaved Ariel before Prospero arrived.
Using Ariel’s magic powers, Prospero sets a plan in motion to take revenge on his enemies, reclaim his title as Duke of Milan and secure a future for Miranda. But Prospero is not the only one searching for power in this tale of freedom, ambition, and forgiveness.
MEET THE CHARACTERS
PAST PRODUCTIONS
In 2023 The Tempest was brought to life in a lively and colourful production for tens of thousands of schoolchildren as part of Playing Shakespeare with Deutsche Bank.
1991 – before the Globe had been built, Sam Wanamaker and Mark Rylance staged The Tempest on Bankside, on the foundations of the theatre
2000 – starring Vanessa Redgrave as Prospero
2005 – dir. Tim Carroll
2013 – watch now on Globe Player
2016 – dir. Dominic Dromgoole, in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
2022 – dir. Sean Holmes
2023 – performed for Playing Shakespeare with Deutsche Bank
2026 – in January 2026, Tim Crouch directs The Tempest in the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
WATCH ON GLOBE PLAYER
The Tempest (2013)
Roger Allam, Jessie Buckley, and Colin Morgan star in this 2013 production of The Tempest, directed by Jeremy Herrin.
Discover MoreUPCOMING EVENTS
SHOP THE RANGE
A swirling cloud of red bats escape Hell on this organic cotton sweatshirt inspired by The Tempest, featuring a quote spoken by Ariel in Act 1. This great addition to any wardrobe is both washable and sustainable.
Hang a reminder of William Shakespeare’s genius in your home with this poster featuring well-known quotes from The Tempest. Our posters are printed on paper made with pulp from managed woodlands.
Any dog lover would agree with this sentiment. This beautiful lino-cut image is hand-printed onto Japanese paper by local artist, Rowan Tree Print. The print comes mounted and ready to frame.
THE TEMPEST BLOGS
I would not wish any companion in the world but you.
The Tempest, Act III, scene 1
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