That there is a gentler side to Caliban in The Tempest — “filth” though he be to Prospero and “monster” as he becomes to the tosspots Stephano and Trinculo — is clear from the beauty of some of the things he says.

Perhaps his most famous speech featured in the opening ceremony for the London Olympics 2012. Millions around the world heard Kenneth Branagh declaim: “The isle is full of noises, Sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not. Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments Will hum about mine ears.”

While the instrument count in the fine new production of the play at the Watermilll Theatre is significantly below the thousand mark, there are still enough in the practised hands of members of the cast to ensure a rich musical element to the play. Composer Olly Fox supplies a suitably eerie score that underlines the action at key points and – with Richard Howell’s lighting and Steve Mayo’s sound – creates a truly magical experience for visitors to this lovely little theatre.

Judicious cuts by director Paul Hart and text consultant Ben Crystal trim the action to two hours, an acceptable length for a theatre that serves a post-performance supper. This is achieved without significant omissions and, indeed, with the full inclusion of passages sometimes speeded through. These include the Act IV masque celebrating the engagement of Miranda (Greer Dale-Foulkes) and Ferdinand (Jonathan Christie), which under the supervision of the spirit Iris (Jessica Dyas) becomes a very roisterous and colourful affair.

Performances throughout are of a high standard, with Michael Hadley setting the pattern where respect for the glories of the text are concerned, in his magisterial portrayal of Prospero. At once authoritarian but kindly, and an inspiration to us all in his capacity to forgive those (many) who have wronged him, this wonder-worker dominates the action as he should. His flirtatious inter-action with the female Ariel (Aoife McMahon) contrasts with his stern treatment of his second slave, Caliban (Tim Chipping) and the miscreants Trinculo (Tarek Merchant) and Stephano (James Allen) who keep up with him in rebellion. His respect for the age and wisdom of Gonzalo (Johnson Willis) is a touching element too.