A couple passionate about the arts in Bermuda have encouraged performers to take advantage of a soon-to-be-completed outdoor amphitheatre at a former Warwick golf course.

The site at Riddell’s Bay Nature Reserve features Bermuda stone walls and multiple levels of seating.

Sarah and Daniel Tafur, representing property managers the Castile Foundation Charitable Trust, were inspired to place an amphitheatre on the 66-acre reserve after the Covid-19 lockdown.

Ms Tafur said: “My husband and I love the arts, and both our children have always loved the arts and to act, sing and dance.

“We just thought Bermuda needed something different, and with Covid happening and the shutdown, we thought an outdoor amphitheatre would be fantastic.

“Since we had the space, we thought we would provide that.”

She added: “We want to see this space being used for all the arts and to create something so different in Bermuda, to bring in international people and continue to nurture the Bermudian side.”

Plans for the amphitheatre, built on a previously flat area of the reserve, were submitted in 2021 and grass beds are now being placed on each level of seating.

Ms Tafur said: “There could be so many different configurations within the amphitheatre.

“A cabaret-style evening could include round-table and dining options around rather than traditional rows of seats.

“You can also have picnic-style events which are much more relaxed or just the regular rows of folded chairs.”

The Castile Foundation Charitable Trust consulted stakeholders including the late former MP Stuart Hayward, whose ashes lie beneath trees in the reserve, and members of the environmental authority when designing the amphitheatre.

Ms Tafur said: “We wanted to keep on making sure that this was going to work for everybody and wasn’t too formalised, while at the same time making sure the landscaping wasn’t super expensive.

“We basically needed to have the most versatile situation, and that has been a moving target.”

She added: “I’m hoping it could be a nice place to rent for events such as weddings, as this could be a source of funds to invest in the wish list of the various artists who will use the venue.”

It is unknown precisely when work at the site will be finished.

However, the Devil’s Isle Shakespeare Company is set to perform a musical version of Romeo & Juliet at the venue in August and September.

The amphitheatre is a short walk from the reserve’s public parking lot, but golf carts will take patrons to and from the site when events are scheduled.

Legislators approved a special development order to build 18 homes on another section of Riddell’s Bay in 2020.

The Royal Gazette asked area residents their thoughts about the amphitheatre.

John Brewer is excited about the idea, as well as a plan to put a brewery and restaurant in the former clubhouse.

He said: “There are very few places that offer something that special, so we’re very excited.

“I think it’s in the right place for that sort of thing — and I know it won’t get too crazy over there.”

Ben Greenwood was less thrilled about the amphitheatre, saying: “I think they should keep the area as natural as possible.”

Another resident, who asked not to be identified, said: “It’s private property; they can do what they like.

“They did a good job with the nature reserve, so I trust they will also be successful with this.”