THE TEMPESTUOUS

Sicily’s beloved King Enzo is dead. Now Princess Rosa, a stroppy spinster, must navigate the tempestuous waters of belching Step-Fathers, lusty suitors, popping cod pieces and menopausal witches, to face her destiny.

Award Winning Comedian Penny Ashton (Promise and Promiscuity, Olive Copperbottom) presents her latest literary solo musical with this world premiere Shakespearean frolic.  She’ll spark 13 characters into life in an Elizabethan tale of magic, meddling and puffed bull’s pizzles.

Reviews for the inaugural season:

“There’s no need to be intimidated by the use of Shakespeare’s language for Ashton is clearly a master of it. She cleverly weaves modern phrases into the style of Elizabethan speech with precise comic timing, and hides lines ripped straight from Shakespeare throughout this new text. Every line is clear and each character is distinct – which is saying something, considering Ashton brings to life no less than thirteen over the course of the story.” Theatrescenes

“This is a well-crafted and deftly performed production of a witty and intelligent show. I very much appreciate the skilful use of Shakespearean material throughout, and am very keen to see what literary genre Ashton decides to tackle next. This is definitely an Elizabethan show, and it is a pleasure to frolic through it with Penny Ashton as a witty and knowledgeable guide.” Theatreview

Reviews from 2024:

“Incredibly clever, the script is just so smart.” Radio NZ

“She’s such an entertaining storyteller and huge fun. The audience loved it.” Theatreview 2024

Workshop Director – Ben Crowder

Musical Arrangement and Composition – Robbie Ellis

Costume – Elizabeth Whiting and Katie McGettigan

PG: 14

Music Recorded in the Fay and Daniel Levin Performance Studio at WFMT Chicago with:

Suzanne Hannau – Flute
Nora Shaffer – Clarinet
Victoria Moreira – Violin
Hope Shepherd DeCelle – Cello
Dan Linsenmann – Piano
Eric Arunas – Recording Engineer
Jake Dewar – Assistant Producer

Thanks to Matthew Harvey, Esta Hutchins, Rita Stone Berridge, Ruth Spencer, Allan Roberts and Niall Spooner Harvey for general enthusiasm.

All Musical References

(Compiled by the musical encyclopedia inside Robbie Ellis’ head)