Jason Barnett plays the booze-swigging Stephano in Jamie Lloyd’s new production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest which marks Sigourney Weaver’s West End debut.
With the play in previews ahead of its official opening later this month, we caught up with Barnett to find out more about his plans for the role and what it’s like to be part of an historic production.
Q&A with Jason Barnett
What’s it like to be part of this new production of The Tempest, the first Shakespeare production at Theatre Royal Drury Lane since 1957?
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 in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extraordinary theatre for the first time since John Gielgud’s Tempest over 50 years ago. I’m a bit breathless with all that!
What can we expect from the production?
You can expect to hear the play like never before. Jamie makes texts really speak and always has his audiences leaning in and seeing and hearing aspects of the play they may never have picked up on before.
How are you approaching the role of Stephano?
I’m trying to enjoy all 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 if that means coming to terms with his darker side.
How does it feel to work with Jamie Lloyd again, in a cast that includes Sigourney Weaver?
Jamie just loves actors, whether that’s an iconic Hollywood, screen legend or a working-class lad from South London. It’s lovely to feel trusted with this wonderful play.
How do you think audiences are going to react to the show?
The building, costumes and set are STUNNING. The words are STUNNING. The performances are STUNNING. I’m hoping they’ll be…..stunned?
The Tempest is at Theatre Royal Drury Lane until 1 February 2025
