THREE actors cooped up together in lockdown have created an 'unhinged and bonkers' version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

The play will be performed in the open air setting of Ventnor Park on May 29 and 30.

More than a year since the curtain came down on performances at Ventnor Exchange, with the start of the first national lock down, the team is excited to be preparing for the return of its live programme.

It begins with the laugh-out-loud version of Romeo and Juliet, created by The Handlebards, a company who cycle the length and breadth of the country to reach all their touring destinations on two wheels.

The actors, fuelled by cabin fever and a winter of social distancing, have put a different spin on the Shakespeare classic.

In June, Ventnor Park will host hilarious performances of Oscar Wilde’s ultimate play of manners, affairs and handbags, The Importance of Being Earnest, on June 26 and 27.

CodDirector Mhairi Macaulay said: “We hope to return to a full live season of performances indoors at Ventnor Exchange from September, but we wanted to make the most the microclimate Ventnor is famous for, and these open air performances will provide a safe way for audiences to begin to experience live events once more.”

Tickets for both events are now on sale at ventnorexchange.co.uk priced at £20 each or free for Ventnor Exchange Unlimited Pass holders.

In addition to the outdoor performances, Ventnor Exchange will reopen to the public from May 18, with its craft beer and cocktail bar and record shop.