STUDENTS will be drawing on flower power when they stage a Shakespearean classic with psychedelic twist.

A Midsummer Night's Dream gets a Sixties makeover at The King's Academy complete with hippie clothes and modern dialogue.

Eddie Jones, acting head of performing arts at the Middlesbrough school, said: "It's the traditional Shakespearean plot and characters but this version of the play, by John and Leela Hort, allows for different directorial concepts and we've gone for the 1960s.

"It's very bright and colourful and we'll have vintage costume and a Sixties soundtrack. The aim is to make Shakespeare more accessible both to students and the audience in the hope that it will get them hooked and encourage them to read or go and see the original."

Mr Jones has been helped by science teacher Lucy Moore, assistant vice principal and costume expert Carey Brownless, and Eleanor Walker, who is overseeing the musical elements of the production.

Faye Hilton, 19, who plays Titania, Queen of the Hippies, said: "I played Mrs Sourberry in Oliver! and Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, but I've never played anyone who dresses this colourfully before.

"I have no songs or dances to learn in this production. It's a nice change of pace. I'm doing my A levels too at the moment, so the play is a bit of a release; I can come into the drama studio and chill."

The show runs from March 18-20 at The King's Academy, with curtain up at 7pm. Tickets are available from the academy reception and cost £5 for adults, £3 for concessions or £15 for a family ticket for two adults and two concessions.