THERE must be at least a dozen theatre and dance companies touring with interpretations of Shakespeare's original love story.

So to find Romeo and Juliet as a high-class ballet set to the renowned orchestral score by Prokofiev is a real treat.

Artistic director, Gary Harris, and choreographer, Christopher Hampson, have pushed the boundaries with this contemporary adaptation at the Lowry.

Slick minimalistic scene changes compliment red, black and white costumes. And stunning dance trios work along side immaculate paired routines to bring the archetype love story to life.

With each dance step the complex, troubled relationships, take on a new dimension. Shakespeare himself said: 'For never was there a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo'.

The ballet was commissioned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Ballet and is a UK premiere sponsored by Manchester Airports Group.

Divided into three acts, the story takes on a melodic pace gathering momentum to the final tragedy.

Juliet drinks a potion to escape an arranged marriage but Romeo believes her to be dead and kills himself. Beside herself with grief, Juliet ends her own life - interpreted with romantic choreography. Treat yourself.

Box Office 0870 787 5790, showing until Saturday.

CLARE COOK