NEIL Gibbs’ version is very much a modern take on the story, which accepted and cleverly embraced with humour the idea that Shakespeare’s language is difficult.

It opened with a short dramatic rendition of the story before rewinding to consider the action within the framework of a Jeremy (here Jenny) Kyle-type show.

Director Will Rogers has conceived an ambitious show that mainly moved at a goodly pace, easily navigating the shifts from moments of tragedy and humour.

The fight scenes were well done.

Dylan Mackinnon made a good stab at Romeo, capturing well the swagger and vulnerability of the character.

However, it was some of the support characters who really made their mark: Bailee Parkes (Friar Laurence), Jack Grace (a sort of tragic clown Mercutio), Marc Andrews (Tybalt), and Owen Dennis as Benvolio. Jodi Griffin gave a wonderfully judged turn as the Nurse.

KAREN ROBSON