Dozens of people cheered on the first performers at an outdoor amphitheatre after the venue was christened with a rendition of a classic Shakespeare tragedy.

Dignitaries were among more than 100 people who turned out to Riddell’s Bay Nature Reserve in Warwick on Saturday to watch the open-air stage host its inaugural show.

Attendees were treated to a musical rendition of Romeo and Juliet, organised by the Bermudian-based Devil’s Isle Shakespeare Company, as well as a fully catered dinner and cocktails.

Séamus Miller, a founder of Devil’s Isle and director of the play, said it was “a dream come true” to be the first to use the new stage.

He said: “To see Bermudian performers on stage and to know that students are going to see actors who went to their school onstage, to me, is very special.”

Mr Miller added: “I think we’re going to build one of the best Shakespeare theatres in the world here and this is going to become the “Globe” of the mid-Atlantic.

“This will be a place where people will come to Bermuda to see music and Shakespeare.”

The venue was the passion project of Sarah and Daniel Tafur, property managers with the Castile Foundation Charitable Trust.

Situated between several man-made hills, the amphitheatre was set up to seat about 100 people and features two tiers for seating.

Volunteers on golf carts escorted attendees through winding paths that showed off the scope of the reserve until they reached the setting.

Mr Miller said he learnt about the venue being built four years ago, when in was “a big hole in the ground”.

He said the amphitheatre was perfect for immersing an audience in the atmosphere of Bermuda.

Mr Miller said the stage being outdoors was an important part of showcasing what the island has to offer, explaining: “If we’re inside we could be in New York or in London, but at the amphitheatre we are definitely in Bermuda.”

He added: “Here, we can be at one with nature and each other and come together as a community to experience live art, which can be incredibly healthy for us.

“As our lives get more and more digitised, having these communal in-person artistic experiences become absolutely crucial for our wellbeing as a society.”

The cast featured a mix of Bermudian and American actors, as well as original music from local artist Christina Frith.

Although the sold-out play was presented in Shakespearean English, several changes were added to make the story more Bermuda-centric.

The play’s setting was changed from “fair Verona” to Bermuda, cultural references were shared between characters and a fateful party expected guests from well-known local families such as the Friths and the Butterfields.

Barbara Chamunorwa, 32, said she was very impressed to see what the amphitheatre offered, especially as someone originally from an artistic city in South Africa.

She explained: “Coming from Cape Town, where it’s a big city and we’re so much into the arts, I think that Bermuda is doing very well and I foresee a greater future ahead.”

Ms Chamunorwa, from Sandys, said the show was “beautiful” with “outstanding” performances.

She added: “It really looks beautiful seeing young women and men coming up together with such a beautiful and spectacular event.”

A 40-year-old woman, who asked not to be named, said she had been “buzzing with anticipation” during her wait to see the new amphitheatre.

She added: “It’s been a long time coming and I’m excited to see another venue for the performing arts here in Bermuda.”

The woman said the setting would be great for other performances, as well as debates, public speaking and even weddings.

Later, during intermission, she added that she thought the play was “excellent”.

“I love that there’s such a strong Bermudian cast,” she said.

“That’s really exciting.”

The woman brought along a close friend, who said it was her first time stepping foot on the reserve in her 90 years.

The senior described her time as an “experience” and a “privilege,” adding: “It’s a nice way to enjoy the environment and the talent that Bermuda has to offer.”

She also said: “I’m enjoying the show and especially the ability of the writers and the actors to turn it into something that is strictly Bermudian.”

Devil’s Isle will host additional showings of Romeo and Juliet on September 1, 2, 4, 11 and 12 — all of which have been sold out.

Schoolchildren have been invited to see the play free of charge as it runs for the next few weeks.

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