A new company will stage works of William Shakespeare in Bermuda, aimed at bringing the bard to fresh audiences.

Séamus Miller, founder of Devil’s Isle Shakespeare Company, said the group wants to “bring the most highly trained and experienced performers from the United States together with Bermudians to create world-class productions on a collaborative and ongoing basis”.

He added: “Every Bermudian aged 18 and younger will be able to see all of our shows for free, for ever.”

The group’s first production, a Bermuda-themed musical adaptation of The Tempest, will premiere on the island in the autumn.

The play, written from 1610 to 1611, is believed to be inspired by William Strachey’s account of the wreck of the Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609.

This version of The Tempest, created by Mr Miller and composer Emily Erickson, features about half of Shakespeare’s original text and ten musical numbers.

A statement said the songs “make the story fun and accessible to all audiences, regardless of their familiarity with Shakespeare’s work”.

“It is designed to be performed in multiple venues, including schools.”

Mr Miller, who is based partly in Bermuda, said the company aimed to “remove all barriers to accessibility”.

“Our business model is structured upon corporate sponsorship, private philanthropy and grant support.”

Devil’s Isle Shakespeare is being developed with help from the Ignite Entrepreneurial Accelerator Programme.

People can meet members of the company at a free performance of Only Love, a two-person adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, on May 23.

All are welcome at the show at Christ Church in Warwick at 7pm — especially teachers and students.

Free food and drink will also be available.

People should RSVP for this event by contacting Mr Miller at seamus@devils-isle.org.