Review: THE TEMPESTUOUS at Circa Theatre

Penny Ashton debuted her latest solo musical The Tempestuous: A Shrew'd new comedy in June 2023. 

It follows the story of Princess Rosa, a stroppy spinster, who following the death of King Enzo must navigate the tempestuous waters of belching step-fathers, lusty suitors, popping cod pieces and menopausal witches to face her destiny.

Ashton played 13 characters in this show. They were all skillfully executed and each character readily identifiable.

Music was arranged and recorded by New Zealander Robbie Ellis now based in Chicago, The show includes pieces from Tchaikovsky, Gershwin, Delibes, Rachmaninoff, Vivaldi and Puccini, though not as you know them.

The set was relatively simple with a throne, a basket that doubled as a cauldron, a seat, some flowers on a stand and a couple of curtains which were used to break scenes.

The first thing you noticed when Ashton arrived on stage was her energy and ability to draw you in to the story. She seemed thoroughly relaxed on stage and when the lighting for the cauldron went awry, she turned it into a comedic opportunity, rather than a problem to focus on.

The story is easy to follow, even though she was often using Shakespearean language. I thought I may get lost, but it wasn't an issue and never dragged, It was also hilarious.  I haven't laughed so much at a production in years.

The show provides a clever vehicle as a commentary on gender hypocricies of the past and the continuing struggle for equality. It is there but isn't overdone. Ashton did become emotional at one stage of her dialogue following the events that were unfolding over the Pacific in America as it was election day and we all know what happened.

Ashton roped in some members from the audience, two women who became witches and danced around the cauldron and one gentleman who became a contestant in a gameshow.  

It was the contest that I most enjoyed, with some hilarious one liners when contestants were asked seemingly innocuous questions.  I'm not giving anything away-you need to see for yourself. 

The show runs for 90 breathtaking minutes, that never really stops, even to take a breath. It is a perfect example of literary comedy gold.  It's so fast paced I may need to go along again to catch what I missed the first time.

A high energy, entertaining show that will ensure you leave the theatre with a smile on your face. Highly recommended.    

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