THE stage was set for a re-telling of the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet by young fans of Shakespeare who have taken the play and made it their own.

Year Six girls at Bolton School tread the boards last night in a performance they wrote and directed themselves, showcasing their interpretation of the Bard's famous tragedy.

Pupils spent the summer term studying the play, getting to grips with the language and gaining an understanding of the plot.

They then split up into groups to perform part of the story, dividing the acts and scenes between the whole year group.

The girls gave the play a modern day local twist — with instead of being banished to Mantua, Romeo was mistakenly banished to Manchester.

Year Six teacher Mary Worsley, and the junior girls’ school English co-ordinator, said: “Creative ideas abound — the girls used their knowledge of plot, characters and themes to create witty scripts for the stage.

"All of the costumes have been created and acquired by the girls themselves.

"Extension work based on the play resulted in the pupils designing and making miniature costumes for dolls, and an exhibition of their work will complement the evening’s drama."

She added: “Drama promotes a sense of understanding of themes and characters and it provides opportunities to enhance self-confidence.

"The study of Shakespeare’s work for primary school pupils is an opportunity to excite and extend; it is story telling at its best, it should not be feared.”

The audience was treated to themed cakes after the show with star-crossed lover cakes, poison puddings, death marked delicacies, cup Capulets, and broken-hearted Romeos on offer.