BBC Shakespeare Collection: The Tempest

In 1978, the BBC set itself the task of filming all of William Shakespeare's plays for television. The resulting productions, renowned for their loyalty to the text, utilised the best theatrical and television directors and brought acclaimed performances from leading contemporary actors.

Prospero, the true Duke of Milan is now living on an enchanted island with his daughter Miranda, the savage Caliban and Ariel, a spirit of the air. Raising a storm to bring his brother – the usurper of his dukedom – along with his royal entourage, to the island, Prospero contrives his revenge.

The quality cast of this production help bring to life the magic and intrigue of a tale of spirits, sorcery, monsters, maidens and shipwrecked, scheming noblemen. In what is regarded as his final play, Shakespeare, at the height of his powers, deftly explores the contrasting themes of control and power, illusion and reality and nature and society.