East End Opera presents The Tempest Island

The Tempest Island

The Tempest Island, a shortened rock & roll verson of Shakespeare's Tempest, was performed at the Sing Up, Sing Out! event at The Royal Festival Hall on 11th July 2008.

Read about the event and the work of East End Opera in an article on the BBC website, written by Director Shirley Keane.

Leading the singing in the Tempest Island were the young soloists following the East End Opera, Newham Vocal Pathways Course since February.

CAST
Propsera – Bukola Abdul
Miranda, Prospera’s daughter – Dua Hussain
Ferdinand, Prince of Naples, son of Alonzo – Jesse Ayertey
Arial, a spirit – Eyesha Mingo
Alonzo, King of Naples, Ferdinand’s Father – Spencer Kennedy
Antonio, Duke of Milan, Prospero’s brother – Stefan Vitalis
Caliban, monster, servant of Prospera – Emmanuel Nwosu
Director – Shirley Keane

Bukola Abdul, Jesse Ayertey & Dua Hussain in rehearsals for The Tempest Island, June 2008
What happens when you mix East End Opera, The Newham Young People’s Choir and a little bit of Shakespeare together?

Answer: The Tempest Island, a rock & roll one act musical that will have you dancing in aisles and singing all the way home!

At the behest of the 700 strong Newham Young People’s Choir, East End Opera compressed the three hour long Tempest down to 45 minutes; cut the original cast of 22 down to 7 main players and included some classic rock and roll.

Shakespeare might just about recognise his original work, but there can be no doubt about the enthusiasm of the fantastic Newham Young People's Choir, who starred as the magical Spirits, for the adventures of Prospera and her daughter Miranda and their support of Ariel the spirit working to gain their freedom.
Spencer Kennedy, Emmanuel Nwosu & Eyesha Mingo in rehearsals for The Tempest Island, June 2008

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