Tempest beats footie in Buerton

"Oh why perchance doth we find ourselves at a play,
The very night England doth engage the USA?"

So, might many have thought amongst last night's audlience at Buerton House for the outdoor performance of Shakespeare's The Tempest.

Despite the call of World Cup football, a tremendous crowd turned out for the Dean Taylor production on a beautiful sunny evening in a glorious garden.
And, thankfully, not a single vuvuzela trumpet to be heard in the peaceful south Cheshire countryside as Jenny Brierley provided the musical entertainment as Audlem and district picnicked in style.

The outdoor Shakespeare is now on its eighth tour and Buerton House has become a regular venue on their itinerary. Indeed, this summer's tour is just getting underway so yesterday's afternoon and evening audiences were amongst the first to enjoy this wonderfully entertaining interpretation.

After Prospero and Miranda set the scene of this complex tale, we were treated to the dramatic arrival of Ariel, a Spirit of the Air, and Caliban, the savage half monster slave. This was perhaps the moment we realised what a treat we were in for, the costumes provided by the Royal Shakespeare Company adding that extra sheen to the performances of this accomplished company.

The comedy arrived with wonderfully played drunken scenes by Dean Taylor himself, as Stephano, Tim Scragg's Trinculo and Caliban, played to great effect by Richard T Fletcher. Their consumption of wine in the debauched scenes around the interval possibly exceeded that of any of the picnickers, and that was not for lack of competition.

All too soon we'd reached the conclusion of a vivid and thoroughly entertaining evening. There's a third performance this afternoon at 2.00pm which is recommended without reservation. Indeed, you can also pay on the gate if without reservation.

At the interval, a presentation was made by the company to host Ralph Warburton which was echoed by much applause. All agreed, it is a wonderful venue, particularly when the sun shines.

Finally, after the audience arrived home to watch the TV highlight's of last night's stalemate in South Africa, yes, without doubt, the ninety or so at Buerton had clearly made the right choice.

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