HAMPSHIRE Youth Theatre’s (HYT) latest production is William Shakespeare’s Henry IV.

HYT will present a brand new adaptation by Robin Belfield (Royal Shakespeare Company) which combines Part I and Part II of the story into one production.

Directed by Max Lindsay, with design by Max Dorey, the production features 50 of the best young actors aged 14-21 from across the county.

The famous pair of Shakespeare plays chart the rise of the two bright lights of England’s future, Hotspur and Hal, exploring the weight of youthful responsibility and their fight for paternal approval.

HYT’s modern adaptation uses the riots of 2011 and the rise of the SNP and Green Parties as alternatives to the established order as inspiration, and mixes it with club and rave culture to create a vibrant adaptation of the Shakespeare classic that takes the action away from its traditional setting of the 17th century.

The production has been rehearsed over two weeks as part of a residential project taking place at, and utilising the performing arts facilities of, the University of Winchester.

The 50 strong cast stay on site for the intensive two-week rehearsal period, taking part in workshops with theatre professionals from across the country in disciplines such as physical theatre, mime, vocal technique, and stage combat.

This culminates in four performances from September 3 – 5 on the main stage of the Nuffield Theatre.

Director Max Lindsay said: “We are delighted to be running HYT as a residential project for the first time in four years, and to be working with some of the most talented young actors in the county.

“Working on Robin Belfield’s exciting modern adaptation of Henry IV is set to be a fantastic experience for all involved.”

Tickets are available from the box office on 023 8067 1771 or online at nuffieldtheatre.co.uk.