The Tempest in the Firth of Forth

This is a must-see, enchanting production. Prepare to be spirited away (by coach) from the Edinburgh Festival turmoil to what appears to be a remote, sea-girt isle – in fact the blue-shell beach overlooking the firth from the wooded Hopetoun House estate. This is an inspired setting for a play about the wonder of new love, forgiveness and reconciliation in a brave new world, perhaps only possible away from cities and power, where seed heads drift by from the woods as lovers meet and where waves breaking on the shore are the atmospheric soundtrack to Prospero breaking his staff and drowning his magic book.

A play full of hope but with an undercurrent of sadness movingly realised by St Andrew's University students. For the duration of the play (cleverly abridged) I was transported by the skill of the entire company – both the quality of the acting, and delightful music, including clàrsach (composed, arranged and even performed by Siannie Moodie in between playing Miranda). In particular, Sunny Moodie was outstanding as Prospero with his resonant voice and command, and I loved Lewis Harding's Caliban, an affecting performance (not least his dramatic entrance and zombie eyes). Siannie Moodie (Miranda) and Jyuddah Jaymes (Ferdinand), were totally convincing in their portrayal of the wonder of falling in love, Lucy Manning (Ariel) made me care about her enslavement and Jamie Jones (Trinculo) and Peter Swallow (Stephano) even made me find Shakespeare's jokes funny – not an easy task. A wonderful production. Sheer magic!