THE Pantaloons will present Othello at The Swan Theatre in Worcester, in a performance of the Shakespeare tragedy which perhaps gives a glimpse of how it was first done.

A spokesman said: "The Pantaloons draw from a wide variety of popular theatre traditions, from commedia dell’arte and pantomime to stand-up comedy and silent movies, to bring what we consider to be a vital sense of 'play' back to classical performance.

"We aim to recapture an aspect of Shakespeare’s drama which the modern naturalistic theatre has lost: the riotous energy of the clown."

But don't expect cloaks and codpieces.

The spokesman added: "The Pantaloons relocate Shakespeare’s classic tragedy of jealousy and deception to a jazz-age setting, with live music, intense drama, and more than a hint of their own inimitable brand of theatrical mischief.

"It’s stormy outside. In here, tensions are simmering...."

The date for the diary is Friday, November 8.

Tickets: 01905 611427

www.worcesterlive.co.uk