A MODERN adaptation of Romeo and Juliet written and performed by disabled people is staged at the Gala Theatre, in Durham, this week.

Ronnie and Julie is the most ambitious play ever attempted by the cast, from the Abbey Day Centre, in Durham.

In Shakespeare's play, Juliet is forced into an arranged marriage, but in the day centre's version Julie is forced into a nursing home, where she falls in love with Ronnie, an able-bodied member of staff.

Martine d'Ellard, from the centre, said: "It's International Year of the Disabled, which is why the group wanted to do something more ambitious.

"We've made all the professionals in the play either speak in Shakespearean language or in an operatic style and everyone else speaks in normal language, to show how jargon excludes disabled people."

Julie will be played by both Jackie Peacock and Joy Fenwick, who will be using "talking computer" equipment.

Ms d'Ellard said: "We've adapted the play to take into account people's disabilities, but rather than seeing that as a problem, we've found created way of getting round it. Some people who have difficulty remembering their lines will have ear-pieces with someone prompting them, and we've arranged for the stage to jut out into the audience so everyone can hear them.

"As Jackie and Joy have got more confident with their lines, they have been running rings around other people, either ad-libbing lines or repeating them, so I've a feeling there will be a few surprises in store."

The play runs at the Gala Theatre tonight, at 7.30pm and tomorrow at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £7.50 and £5.

Contact the box office on 0191-332 4041 or Minicom 0191-3882 418. Both performances will be signed.