STUDENTS from across Kirklees and Calderdale will be performing Shakespeare with a twist on the big stage next week.

Young people will be treading the boards at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield and the Alhambra in Bradford.

Schools throughout the UK are taking part in the nationwide Shakespeare Schools Festival.

Local schools involved include Rastrick High and Thornhill Community Science College in Dewsbury which perform Anthony and Cleopatra and Macbeth respectively at the Alhambra on Wednesday.

The following day Moor End Academy, Crosland Moor (King Lear), Royds Hall High, Paddock (Much Ado About Nothing) and The Brooksbank School at Elland (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) go on stage at the Lawrence Batley.

Each evening will see youthful interpretations of four different Shakespeare plays with creative concepts such as a Bollywood style A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet in the London riots.

Each production will be united by Shakespeare’s iconic words.

The Shakespeare Schools Festival is in its 13th year.