Shakespeare’s final solo play The Tempest is this year’s enchanting opening to Iris Theatre’s outdoor summer season.

A storm at sea - a ship is broken by the waves, and a king and his court are washed up on the shore of a mysterious island. The desolate isle appears uninhabited but, unseen in the shadows, a powerful magician plots his revenge.

The fate of all the shipwrecked souls now rests in his hands. Will he give in to his anger, or will his love for his daughter redeem them all?

Taking place across the gardens of St Paul’s Church in the heart of the West End, and inspired by the courtly royal masques of the 17th century and the designs of Inigo Jones, The Tempest is an evening of pomp and promenade, of magic and illusion.

Dress to impress; you’re invited to a party at the end of the world.

The Tempest stars Propeller and West End regular Tony Bell, and is directed by Iris Theatre’s artistic director Daniel Winder, following last year’s five-star production of Macbeth.

“We are such stuff

As dreams are made on, and our little life

Is rounded with a sleep.” 

Good To Know

Iris is an award-winning theatre company, most celebrated for its annual summer season. In 2017, the company hosted a record breaking year at St Paul’s with Macbeth and Hansel & Gretel, the latter shortlisted for Best Production for Young People (8+) at the Offies, the award the company won the previous year for Treasure Island.

Additional Details & FAQ

Access Information

Disabled patrons should contact tickets@iristheatre.com in advance of booking to discuss their requirements. Some performance areas require the climbing of a few steps to access.

Cancellation Policy

No exchanges or refunds after purchase.

How Does It Work

Please print your confirmation email and bring along with you to your performance. 

Suitable For Children

Recommended for ages 8+, though some scenes may be upsetting for very small children.

What Should I Expect

These performances take place in unallocated promenade outdoors at St Paul’s Church in the gardens, on both grass and concrete, with some scenes indoors. As a result, audiences should be aware that the performance will go ahead during adverse weather conditions, including rain, except where the safety of the audience or the cast is in question. Generally, the theatre will not cancel any performance due to weather less than 30 minutes in advance of the show.

For concerts and showcases which take place in the church we do not provide allocated seating as the church benches are not numbered. For our summer shows in the gardens we provide ample benches and chairs for audience members to sit on and our Front of House staff are equipped with folding chairs if you would like a seat with a back rest.

Where Do I Go

St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden, Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ED

Reviews

4.8(4 reviews)
  • Jeremy Peckham

    Jun 30, 2018

    A well directed and performed production in a unique venue. Changing locations for different scenes added to audience involvement with the story. Only criticism is lack of shade for some seating.

  • liz aston

    Jun 24, 2018

    The Iris theatre company created a magical evening in the garden and church of St Paul's in Covent Garden.The acting was exceptional, with the cast transforming from one character to another and singing, playing and performing tricks, quite apart from a superb delivery of Shakespeare's wonderful mysterious drama.

  • Sally N

    Jun 21, 2018

    Excellent production, loved the venue! Ariel was fantastic!

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