We catch up with Jason Barnett, one of the stars of the highly anticipated new production of The Tempest by award-winning theatre director Jamie Lloyd.
Jason Barnett. Headshot provided by the production.
This fresh reimagining of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece is set to take the stage at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where Barnett will take on the role of Stephano. Known for his standout performances in The Hot Wing King at the National and Hamlet at The Old Vic, Barnett shares insights into this exciting production, arriving in the West End next month.
What have you found the most exciting or challenging aspect of developing the role of Stephano so far?
The process with Jamie is not typical but that means that what comes out of it isn’t typical either. It’s been challenging to find the balance of the humour and the deep violence Stephano’s prepared to go through with.
How does it feel to be part of this groundbreaking production in the West End?
It is an amazing experience to be part of such a collision of things. Sigourney Weaver’s West End debut, Jamie Lloyd directing and Shakespeare being back at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extraordinary Drury Lane Theatre Royal for the first time since John Gielgud’s Tempest a generation ago. It’s mind blowing.
How has Jamie Lloyd’s direction influenced your portrayal of Stephano’s character?
Jamie listens, hears ones ideas and goes with them until they work or don’t. That really builds confidence and helps one to be bold.
Stephano has a lot of comedic moments—how do you bring humour to the role without losing sight of his darker, more mischievous side?
I’m trying to enjoy the different sides to him. His obvious enjoyment of a cheeky nip, his ability to think on his admittedly drunken feet and his willingness to try and grab the main chance when it presents itself even when it means coming to terms with his darker side.
Your dynamic with Trinculo and Caliban shapes the tone and themes of the play, what has it been like developing that so far?
It is so interesting echoing the major themes in the play whilst lacing that with a few pratfalls! Mathew Horne and Forbes Masson are such wonderful actors and brilliant clowns so it’s been joyous, Mat is one of my best mates so it means we can tell each other on a daily basis how brilliant we are….or how rubbish!
What aspects of Stephano’s personality resonate with you, and how do you bring those to life on stage?
I’m not allergic to a big night out myself, so that’s proved useful research and I’m very easily carried away in any given situation. Oh no. I am Stephano!
How does the production’s setting and design impact your approach to Stephano’s character?
The setting and design are so glorious that it actually means I can do less. It’s so epic looking that it would be pointless to try to outdo it but it’s enjoyable to go with it and let it carry you.
If audiences are intrigued by this production, what can they expect from it? (without spoilers obviously!)
Audiences can expect to hear the play like never before. Jamie helps texts to really be heard and always gets the audience leaning in, seeing and hearing aspects of the play they might not have picked up on before.
What do you hope audiences take away from this version of The Tempest?
I hope the audiences take away a new way of enjoying this play and that space. A shared London experience like nothing else over this festive period.
Finally, why should people come and see this exciting new production?
The building, costumes and set are stunning. The words are stunning. The performances are stunning. I guess I’m saying come along if you want to be….stunned?
The Tempest plays at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 7 December - 1 February 2025.
