Antic Disposition Presents THE TEMPEST at Middle Temple Hall, 20th August

Antic Disposition will present a brand new production of The Tempest from Saturday 20th August to Saturday 3rd September 2011 at Middle Temple Hall, an Elizabethan venue in which Shakepeare's own company once performed. Set within the grounds of London's leafy legal quarter, the venue will offer theatregoers a unique chance to experience Shakespeare's famous play in a uniquely historic setting.

A wild sea storm casts the King of Naples and his followers upon a barren shore - but this mysterious island is not as deserted as it seems. The banished Duke of Milan, Prospero, has made the isle his own, and seeks to use his magical powers to revenge himself upon those who have wronged him.

Often seen as his farewell to the theatre, Shakespeare's last and most magical play deals with the grand themes of reconciliation, forgiveness, art and illusion. Performed in the spectacular Middle Temple Hall - perhaps the finest example of an Elizabethan hall in the country - Antic Disposition's new production brings to life its perfect blend of slapstick comedy and poetic beauty.

Located in the secluded heart of London's legal quarter between Fleet Street and Embankment, Middle Temple Hall was completed in 1573 and remains virtually unchanged to this day. The Hall has strong Shakespearean connections - in January 1602, it was the setting for the very first performance of Twelfth Night. Antic Disposition's production of The Tempest offers a rare opportunity to visit and explore the cobbled lanes and quiet courtyards of this little-known area of the city.

Adding another layer of significance, 2011 marks the 400th anniversary of the first recorded performance of The Tempest - the play was presented before King James I at Whitehall Palace on 1st November 1611.

Director Ben Horslen says:

"We're thrilled to be presenting The Tempest at Middle Temple Hall in the play's 400th anniversary year. We've staged Shakespeare in all kinds of unusual spaces, from derelict churches to picturesque French villages, but creating a production for an original Elizabethan venue - and one in which Shakespeare's own company actually performed - is an exciting new challenge."

Acclaimed London-based theatre company Antic Disposition was founded by director Ben Horslen and designer John Risebero in 2005, and specialises in clear, imaginative productions of classic plays and stories. The company is used to creating theatre in unusual spaces - four earlier productions were staged in the magnificent derelict church, St Stephen's, Hampstead, and each summer they tour a Shakespeare play around the stunning medieval villages of southwest France.

Produced by Antic Disposition, The Tempest is directed by Ben Horslen and John Risebero, with design by John Risebero, lighting design by Howard Hudson and music by James Burrows. The cast is yet to be announced.

LISTINGS

Antic Disposition presents THE TEMPEST by William Shakespeare

Sat 20th Aug - Sat 3rd Sep 2011 Mon - Sat at 8pm

Tickets: £15.00/£25.00
Premium Seats: £35.00
Reduced Price Previews (Sat 20th / Mon 22nd Aug): All Seats £15

Middle Temple Hall, London EC4Y 9AT
Nearest Tube: Temple

Box Office: 0844 8700 887
Book online at: www.anticdisposition.co.uk