Ponteland Repertory Society is set to perform the Shakespearean classic Romeo and Juliet at Hexham Abbey this Valentine’s weekend.

The amateur theatre group, which recently celebrated its 90th anniversary, will perform alongside the Preppies Youth Theatre Group, made up of talented nine to 18 year olds.

The group will take to the stage, with its innovative interpretation of the well-known play, on February 14, at 7pm and February 15 at midday, 3pm and 7.30pm.

The abridged production comes on the back of successful performances of Oh What a Lovely War, Teechers (John Godber) and the Wind and the Willows (Alan Bennett).

The group consistently looks for ways to diversify its portfolio of work, which was most recently tested by their performance of A Kind of Alaska (Harold Printer).

Aiming to develop its theatrical expression even further, the society will deliver its enactment of Romeo and Juliet en-promenade, meaning the audience will walk from scene to scene with the actors.

This way, spectators can fully immerse themselves in the story, whilst playing their very own part in a truly romantic journey.

The show will look to juxtapose vintage and contemporary, offering an entirely different take on the traditional piece.

This will be achieved through inventive wardrobe and styling, dynamic set choreography and gender fluidity of roles, with a young lady taking on the typically male role of the Friar.

Debut director Hayley Grant, alongside Jonny Woollett, promised "the full story of Romeo and Juliet in a beautiful setting", and thanked the Abbey for the opportunity to use the space.

The venue offers a breakaway from Ponteland Memorial Hall, where the group rehearses and usually performs. It's where the group has enjoyed great success, enjoying support and long-standing loyalty from the local community due to its position in the village, and this performance will be no different.

Hayley also played testimony to her cast of Preppies and the main repertory society for their hard work and dedication during rehearsals, which had helped to make the show a reality.

The Preppies rehearse once a week, mentored by youth leaders, before filtering into the main society once they are of age. Together, they will deliver this new Valentine's venture, following top-class performances of the traditional Aladdin, Oliver and The King and I.

More information can be found at pontelandrep.co.uk, where tickets are also available. The Refectory Cafe at Hexham Abbey will serve up a romantic sharing supper on the evening of the performance, with a five-course tapas menu available to book following the hour-long performanc. More details can be found online at hexhamabbey.org.uk