Central Library is marking the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death by welcoming a family performance of the "Bard's Best Bits" to Wolverhampton next month.

Oddsocks Productions will be performing a 90 minute comedy adaptation of one of Shakespeare's best known plays, Romeo and Juliet, on Monday 24 October, 2016.

The show is part of the national Celebrating Shakespeare 2016 campaign run by the Society of Chief Librarians and its partners. It aims to introduce younger children to Shakespeare in a fun way, to interest teenagers in a playwright who was edgy and daring in his day, and encourage adults to revisit his works with a fresh eye.

Central Library has teamed up with Adult Education Wolverhampton's Alan Garner Centre to host the performance of The Bard's Best Bits... of Romeo and Juliet. Audience members are asked to gather in the Children's Library at Central Library at 2.45pm, with the show taking place at the Alan Garner Centre at 3pm. Refreshments will be available at the library at the conclusion of the show.

Tickets are free but places are limited and people are advised to reserve theirs in advance by calling Central Library on 01902 552023.

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "I am delighted that Oddsocks Productions are coming to Wolverhampton with a show which will enchant audience members young and old.

"This is a great opportunity to enjoy a re-imagining of one of Shakespeare's most well loved plays as we commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death."

West Midlands Celebrating Shakespeare 2016 Co-ordinator Stella Thebridge said: "We are thrilled to have secured such a high quality performance that will encourage families from ages 7 to 107 to engage with Shakespeare.

  • released: Tuesday 27 September, 2016