Friday was quite an auspicious occasion at Trebah Garden as it witnessed the opening of its new amphitheatre.

Set back in a quiet part of the garden (just up from the Koi pond) the new stone theatre will now play host to professional and community group productions. 

So it seemed fitting that the venues should be put through its paces by the well-seasoned and honed Miracle Theatre who brought their full and raging Tempest to bear on the garden.

The theatre is in its early stages so many creases are yet to be ironed - toilets are an uphill journey back to the visitor centre, so there’s no popping out in the ‘quiet’ bit. That being said the space has great sound, plenty of space and a stunning natural canopy.

With a mixed audience of guests and friend’s of Trebah, Miracle presented one of their last outdoor performances of The Tempest. 

The Shakespeare classic had been cut down into a six character play, the exceptionally talented Bill Scott has done away inaccessible passages of text and superfluous characters to reveal a pacey romp full of humour.

Stealing the show was Ariel (Catherine Lake) - using the towering set as effortlessly as the spirit she portrayed. She skipped and hopped about with mischievious grace, which made it hard to take your eyes off her. 

The cast were on fine form and there were laughs aplenty - even at the expense of the crowd, who got a dosing at the hand of a drunken sailor (Ben Dyson). 

The largest laughs of the evening were definately reserved for Lisa Howard as Caliban.

With infectious music by Jim Carey, The Tempest was a fitting start to what will be a long history at the Trebah Amphitheatre.

There’s one more chance to see the play in Cornwall at the September Festival in St Ives. The amphitheatre awaits spring for its next production.