The Tempest 2018
Phyllida Lloyd closes her groundbreaking Donmar Shakespeare Trilogy with a bold all-female staging of The Tempest (2018), set against the stark reality of a women's prison.
Director: Phyllida Lloyd
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Tempest (2018) about?
This final installment of Phyllida Lloyd's Shakespeare Trilogy transposes Prospero's island exile into a women's prison, where Harriet Walter's Prospero wields magic and authority to challenge injustice. The story follows betrayal, revenge, and redemption, all reshaped within a confined yet charged environment.
Who directed The Tempest?
The Tempest (2018) was directed by Phyllida Lloyd, whose bold reimagining of classical works earned acclaim for merging Shakespearean tradition with modern feminist perspectives.
Who stars in The Tempest?
Harriet Walter leads the cast as Prospero, joined by Leah Harvey, Jade Anouka, Sophie Stanton, and Karen Dunbar in this powerful ensemble.
Is The Tempest (2018) worth watching?
Though IMDb rating is unrated, this emotionally charged production offers a fresh, thought-provoking take on Shakespeare that resonates with drama and comedy fans alike. Its prison setting adds unexpected layers, making it a compelling watch for those drawn to bold reinterpretations of classic stories.
How long is The Tempest?
The Tempest (2018) runs for 104 minutes, an immersive runtime that balances Shakespeare's text with cinematic pacing.
About The Tempest (2018) — All-Female Prison Shakespeare with Harriet Walter
Phyllida Lloyd closes her groundbreaking Donmar Shakespeare Trilogy with a bold all-female staging of The Tempest (2018), set against the stark reality of a women's prison. Harriet Walter commands the screen as Prospero, a wronged ruler whose command over spirits and elemental forces becomes a metaphor for resilience and reclaiming agency. The production weaves Shakespeare's tale of betrayal, magic, and forgiveness with raw energy, transforming the island into a liminal space where justice and liberation are fiercely debated.
In this inventive take, themes of exile and power are re-examined through a contemporary lens, blending drama and sharp humor to highlight the human spirit's capacity for transformation. Lloyd's vision doesn't just reinterpret a classic—it redefines it, creating an intimate yet epic experience where the boundaries between performer and prisoner blur, and every spell feels like a step toward reclaiming one's future.