When Shakespeare wrote The Tempest back in 1610-11, little did he know that it would eventually be flipped to allow Helen Mirren to play Prospera (a female version of Prospero from the original play), Dr Octopus himself, Alfred Molina and the eccentricities of Russell Brand, but I reckon he’d probably approve.
The Tempest (2010) follows a similar plot to the play, with Prespera’s (Helen Mirren) throne being stolen by her brother Antonio she must use all the elements at her disposal to regain her sovereignty and pass it on to her heir and daughter Miranda. However, being stranded on an island doesn’t make it easy.
Alfred Molina, who plays Stephano, is in great form at the moment (catch him in Roger and Val Have Just Got In on BBC to see his comedy genius) and Russell Brand (My Booky Wook) is bound to bring a touch of madness to the character of Trinculo. Helen Mirren is hard to fault, so I imagine her character gender reversal of the Prospero role will be very impressive.
The Tempest will be released in cinemas on the December 10th 2010, when we’ll probably be facing our own wintery tempest. I’m not sure if Katie Perry would approve, but I imagine that Russell Brand has been doing all he can to boff Helen Mirren during production and all the red carpet business. Good luck sir, and god speed.
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