Romance, Comedy and Tragedy at Shakespeare Festival

For the past six weeks, a troupe of 18 actors and countless creatives, crew and volunteers have been working tirelessly on the USQ Shakespeare in the Park Festival production of The Tempest.

The fruits of their efforts will be realised this week when the season commences on the Festival's spectacular open-air stage in Queens Park.

A romance, a comedy and a tragedy all rolled into one, The Tempest is set in a wonderful washed-up world – an island, filled with an array of characters ranging from courtiers to magical other-worldly beings.

The production will feature the University's finest emerging actors under the direction of well-known Australian Actor and Director, Andrea Moor, with stunning costumes and set by Carolyn Taylor-Smith.

The story revolves around Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan and his daughter, Miranda played by Matthew Walsh and Ashlee Lollback respectively.

Exiled on an unknown island, Prospero uses his powers, to conjure a tempest, shipwrecking his usurpers and sets off a mischievous chain of events to secure justice.

"Prospero is a character full of contradictions," said Mr Walsh.

"No doubt, he will be seen as the villain; an anti-hero seeking justice and revenge.

"But under all his bravado, there is compassion and humanity; and ultimately, everything Prospero does is for the wellbeing and future of his daughter."

Although unjustly caught up in the tragedy, Miranda is a young woman with great strength and intellect.

"She has taken on the patriarchal order of things, thinking herself in many ways, equal to Prospero, if not superior, which I love!" said Ms Lollback.

"She's feisty and quick but also shows great compassion and empathy for those who have been shipwrecked and falls head over heels in love with Ferdinand.

"Miranda is a beautiful, untouched character and I believe audiences will fall in love with her for her passion and strength."

With the past six weeks spent in a rehearsal room, the cast are now enjoying their new-found freedom on the stage in Queens Park.

"Being on the set and in the park is quite surreal, but very exciting," said Ms Lollback.

"After being couped up in the rehearsal room for weeks, I really feel like I can fly with Miranda now.

"She is such a free character and the set is really caters for Miranda's curiosity and freedom."

The Tempest will be performed nightly at 7:00pm on 26-28 February and 1, 5-7 March in Queens Park, Toowoomba.

Gates open from 6pm each night and audience members are invited to come along early and enjoy a twilight picnic before the show.

Pack a hamper or buy some gourmet goodies from on-site vendors ranging from noodle boxes and hot spuds right through to mini Dutch pancakes and desserts.

Tickets are available through the Empire Theatre Box Office on 1300 655 299, on-line at www.empiretheatre.com.au or at the gate each night.

The season then tours to Springfield from 12-14 March and to Hervey Bay from 19-21 March.