After much speculation over 'the plane on the beach' it has now been confirmed that it is the spectacular backdrop for the opening scene of an adaptation of The Tempest near Falmouth this week.

Earlier the Packet reported how people were being asked not to call emergency services over what appeared at first glance to be a 'plane crash' in the Helford area, after it was confirmed it had been checked over and was in fact a prop.

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Now Guy Watson, director of Trebah Garden's production of the Shakespearean classic, has explained more to the Packet about the plane and the role it plays.

He said: "We were not expecting it to be quite so realistic!

"It's been fun going down to the beach and seeing loads and loads of people having their photographs taken with it."

However, he added: "It was a surprise this morning to hear the coastguard had been and the plane had coastguard tape around it!"

Fortunately, all has now been straightened out and the coastguard has an official report should there be any further calls.

Guy said when looked at closely it was clear to see that the plane had been stripped, with no seats, but that from a distance it did look quite realistic.

The middle part of the plane is actually part of a real-life aeroplane that crashed on the Isles of Scilly a few years ago, thankfully with no casualties.

Guy and his team have then worked with a construction team to create a new wing from scratch and extra bits to make it look more like wreckage.

The plane crashed at a beach in the Helford area is not what it seems Picture: Austen Osborne

The plane 'crashed' at a beach in the Helford area is not what it seems Picture: Austen Osborne

In a change to 'moving' drama and dance productions at Trebah in the past, The Tempest will begin on the beach for its opening scenes, rather than the top garden, with the production then making its way through the gardens, stopping at eight or nine different locations to continue the story.

"It will have lots of smoke and fire around it; it's very exciting to do," said Guy.

The Trebah website has suitably airport-themed instructions for audience members, including that the "departure gate will open 30 minutes before your departure time", with "gate open" at 7.15pm and "gate closes" at 7.55pm, for an 8pm departure time.

The "journey length" is approximately two hours, with no interval.

The crashed plane is actually a prop for The Tempest at Trebah Garden Pictures: Trebah/Austen Osborne

The 'crashed plane' is actually a prop for The Tempest at Trebah Garden Pictures: Trebah/Austen Osborne

It adds: "Once passengers have completed check-in, your journey will be on foot and will take place across the garden, stopping at multiple locations. No seating is permitted.

"Your journey will only be cancelled or delayed in extreme weather conditions where it would be unsafe to continue.

"Sensible shoes, warm weather attire, a coat and a torch are essential. No umbrellas."

Tickets for the production have been selling fast. However, to book any remaining tickets visit www.trebahgarden.co.uk/tempest