A Bermudian-based theatre group will bring a musical twist this year to one of William Shakespeare’s most famous love stories.

Séamus Miller, the founder of Devil’s Isle Shakespeare Company, said the group’s production of Romeo & Juliet will be performed in August and September and use live music to make the story enjoyable for all ages.

He added: “We are particularly interested in this play because of its themes of nonviolence, conflict resolution and love that transcends an environment of hatred and division.

“Even though it’s a tragedy, I find it to be incredibly hopeful.”

Romeo & Juliet will primarily be performed at a new outdoor amphitheatre at Riddell’s Bay Nature Reserve.

Plans to build an amphitheatre on the former Warwick golf course were submitted in 2021 and grass beds were being placed last week on multiple seating levels as the project nears completion.

Devil’s Isle debuted its first production, a musical adaptation of The Tempest, in 2024 and remounted the show with Bermudians involved — including Emily Ross as Ariel, Milo Roberts as an understudy and Quincée Kaya Dill returning as artistic associate — last year.

Mr Miller said: “Our budget increase in 2025 allowed us to double the number of scheduled performances from eight to 16 and increase the number of students who received free admission to The Tempest, from 300 students from three schools in 2024 to over 550 students from eight schools in 2025.”

One performance of The Tempest kicked off a fundraising campaign to restore the historic Somers Playhouse in St George, which has been closed since 2000.

Eugene Dean, of the Emperial Group, said in September that the fundraiser would “allow us to reinvite the community back to Somers Playhouse for artistic and entertaining productions while helping to raise funds for the refurbishment of the building”.

Mr Miller told The RoyalGazette: “Our fundraiser was a huge success. It was wonderful to see so many members of the community come together to celebrate the restoration of this historic property, and I’m so proud that we could bring live performance back to the playhouse.”

Performances of Romeo & Juliet will be open to all students 12 and older on weekdays and the general public on weekends. Everyone under the age of 18 can see all Devil’s Isle productions free of charge.

Devil’s Isle is a registered non-profit organisation in the United States and was granted temporary fundraising licences from the Registry General in 2024 and 2025.

Mr Miller said: “We are very encouraged by our conversations with existing arts charities in Bermuda, and we expect to be operating under the umbrella of one of those organisations in 2026.”

He added that the group plans to hire more Bermudians, engage additional students and seek further support this year.

Devil’s Isle also plans to produce another version of Romeo & Juliet, designed around Fort St Catherine, as well as a homecoming production featuring Bermudians who performed on Broadway or in London’s West End, within the next few years.

Auditions for Romeo & Juliet will take place on the island this spring, with all cast and crew roles being paid parts.

• Anyone interested in auditioning or being part of the production can e-mail info@devils-isle.org and visitdevil-isle.orgfor more information