Wild Waters Roar

We met at Kilbride Carpark and it rained. Our exotic buxom guide took our details and still it rained. We set off upon our guided theatre walk and it rained and rained and rained and so the ‘Tempest’ was launched. Roaring rivers, cascading cataracts, thundering torrents, sheeting rainfall and a skilfully performed narrative transformed us as we walked through an enchanted Kilbride Forest, from a group of walkers into shipwrecked voyagers driven onto Prospero’s magical isle high above the spires of Dunoon.

The Forestry Commission invited intrepid walkers to explore this lovely forest in a unique way last weekend – and the torrential downpour created the ideal backdrop for Shakespeare’s magical play. The bard himself could not have wished for a more perfect presentation as the intrepid troupe from The Walking Theatre Company wove the tale about us. Hidden by fallen trees or wading through the swollen reservoir, the players appeared like sprites from the misty landscape. Every half-drowned mariner in the audience was enthralled and felt truly a part of this memorable production. For all of us, from the sturdy toddler who ‘wanted to be a naughty fairy like Ariel’ to the laughing family from Largs who came for a different woodland walk, it was an unforgettable and hugely enjoyable experience, all the more remarkable for being so wildly outside our perceived comfort zones.

The Forestry Commission are delighted to provide this unique form of entertainment providing a new way to interact with our splendid and ancient woodlands

Liz Connelly (Recreation Officer) Forestry Commission Scotland, said, “ I telephoned Sadie’s home on Saturday morning owing to adverse weather conditions, asked if production was still taking place, and was informed that “the show must go on”. This is our first woodland theatre production with the company and one of many fun woodland activities that can be enjoyed, despite “sheeting rainfall”. Bravo to Sadie & her team of players. Events calendar includes, “Floodlit Witches Walk” on Friday 26th October and Shakespeare‘s “Floodlit” production of “ Macbeth”, with cheese & wine at Glenbranter, on Saturday 27th October . Forestry Commission Scotland’s “What’s On 2008” Programme will include outdoor production of “Treasure Island”.