IT'S Shakespeare, daddy-o, but not as you know it... A 1590s comedy favourite from the pen of the Bard is given the 1950s treatment when Westacre Summer Theatre presents the latest production in its season.

IT'S Shakespeare, daddy-o, but not as you know it...

A 1590s comedy favourite from the pen of the Bard is given the 1950s treatment when Westacre Summer Theatre presents the latest production in its season.

Comedy of Errors is billed intriguingly as an adaptation by Westacre's own resident artistic director, Andy Naylor, "from a play of a similar name by Shakespeare".

The essential ingredients are the same: two sets of twins both with the same names, with the predictable problem of mistaken identity and confusion all round.

But would Shakespeare wonder whether he was on Earth, in heaven or in hell if he were alive to hear the musical accompaniment to the plot: rockin', finger-clickin' and croonin' numbers such as Jailhouse Rock, Mama Said, Only You, Fever and Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On?

The cast will include many of the 2008 beneficiaries of Westacre River Studios'

own student bursaries scheme, which exists to give young people wide-ranging experience in all aspects of the theatre.

The contingent from the Swaffham area includes Tamsin Roche-Kelly, from Sporle, who plays Adriana, Jake Champion, from Rougham (Dromio of Ephesus), and April Nash, from Fransham (Lulu).

This year, Westacre has offered a record eight bursary awards.

Isobel Smith, of the River Studios, said: “This year the students will be taking part on stage, backstage and front of house.

"Part of our remit is to encourage young people to experience all aspects of what we have to offer here. We are able to support this scheme by generous donations from our bursary sponsors and tireless fundraising by our volunteers."

Comedy of Errors starts its run on Thursday, July 31 at 7.30pm, then continues on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings until August 16. Tickets are now on sale at the box office at West Acre, near Swaffham, at £10 or £12, depending on which night you go, or £6 for those aged 18 and younger.

To reserve your seats or find out more call 01760 755800. And more details about the summer theatre programme can be found at www.westacreriverstudios.co.uk

There's a last few chances to catch Westacre's home-grown production of the much-loved Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall comedy, Billy Liar, between Thursday and Saturday. Performances start at 7.30pm, and tickets are £10 or £12, depending on which night you go, or £6 for those aged 18 and younger.