The Tempest by William Shakespeare
Sunday, 18 June 2023 at 19:30
SHOW WEEK: 02 - 08 OCTOBER 2023 With 4 performances 05 - 08 October
UPSTAIRS AT THE GATEHOUSE
| 'Hell is empty, and all the devils are here.'
In a dystopian near-future, zombies are creating a storm.
In a twisted take on Shakespeare's "The Tempest," waves of zombies are now crawling the globe, and instead of trusting science and technology, the popularist government of Milan exiled their leading mind - and rightful Duke - and erected a wall to keep out the waves of undead.
After all, everyone's tired of experts, right?
But now the walls have fallen.
From an abandoned bunker, Prospero uses his 'magic' (i.e science, technology & engineering) to control zombie hordes and exact revenge on those who wronged him. He is aided by Ariel - a lovelorn science wunderkind - who takes her own journey into finding her inner strength.
The King of Milan and his court wander the wastelands seeking sanctuary, whilst the city guards wander the wastelands seeking..well..whatever they can find.
But love blossoms between Miranda (a strong-willed teenage zombie slayer) and Ferdinand (the Soldier-Prince of Milan).
The Tempest.with zombies' will be an ambitious, fun, immersive schlock-horror rollick that's an homage to zombie films and pop culture. We'll be using everything we can to scare the audience and get everyone's Halloween season off to a bang. Whilst we're playing it totally straight, don't be surprised if the audience has a giggle!
The script has been abridged to keep up the pace, and some characters have been merged.
This is all about being bold and translating Shakespeare into something a bit more understandable, so have fun with it.
.and remember to always double tap.
download the script
link to story breakdown
Characters
PROSPERO - Exiled Scientist, rightful duke, gun-toting survivalist Daddy. (Male, Age - 40-60. No combat required but lots of ladder climbing)
MIRANDA - Prospero's daughter & teenage zombie slayer (Female, 20- 30. Will use stage combat)
ARIEL - A 'junior' scientist who once worked for Sycorax Industries, now servant to Prospero. (Female, may be required to sing but not to a high standard. No combat) 20-40.
CALIBAN - a decrepit Martin Skrelli tech-bro, reluctant servant to Prospero (M/F/NB, Age 30+)
The Court
FERDINAND - Prince of Naples and soldier (M/F/NB, age 20-30. Will use stage combat)
ALONSO - King of Naples (M/F/NB, age 40+, no combat)
ANTONIO -Duke of Milan and Prospero's brother. The popularist minister. (M/F/NB, age 30+, minor combat)
SEBASTIAN - Alonso's brother and soldier (M/F/NB, age 30+)
GONZALO - Councillor to Alonso and friend to Prospero. (M/F/NB, age 30+)
City Guard
(The city guard is the first line of defence, but made out of people seen as 'dispensable' - drunks, scoundrels and criminals. It's where people go if they don't want to go to prison, so think The Black Watch in G.O.T. But they're also the 'Blitz spirit' comedy roles, so we're going for Dog Soldiers with Shaun Of the Dead sense of humour.)
TRINCULO - (M/F/NB, age 20+, Will use stage combat)
STEPHANO - (M/F/NB, age 20+, Will use stage combat)
ZOMBIES!
Open to anyone and everyone! Must be comfortable with learning stage combat and physical expression (i.e - moaning and groaning). Preferably be comfortable with wearing contact lenses, but not suitable for anyone with skin sensitive to heavy make-up, including liquid latex & glue. You will be taught how to do zombie make-up, so be willing to experiment with it.
Please audition for any part you are interested in and don't feel limited by these descriptions. The indicated age ranges are deliberately vague, and the gender implied by a name is that of the character, not necessarily of the actor. The GST is committed to casting without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, body shape or disability.
You do not need to prepare any specific pieces before the audition, as we would like to see you act on your feet. But please familiarise yourself with the characters you would like to audition for; reading the play is a good start
To express an interest in the audition and to let us know you are coming along (and which roles you are interested in), please fill out this form. You do not need to be a member of GST to audition, but you will need to join if cast.
audition registration form
If you have any questions about this production, please email us.
If you are interested in being involved in this production in a non-acting role, e.g. helping backstage or with our publicity, or in joining GST as an audience member to get free tickets to this and all our productions, please email us for more information.
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Posted 23/05/2023
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