A BRAND new production of Romeo and Juliet is planned for Blackpool's Grand Theatre next month, the theatre has announced.

English Touring Theatre (ETT) is to bring the classic Shakespeare tale of star-crossed lovers to Blackpool November 4-8.

The production will star Adam Croasdell -- from London's Burning, Peak Practice, Holby City and Smack The Pony -- as Romeo, and Laura Rees (in new film Love Actually) as Juliet.

Artistic director Stephen Unwin, winner of The Globe's Sam Wanamaker 2003 award, has set the production in post-war Verona, 'encapsulating the clash between youthful idealism and the real world', said a theatre spokesman.

"Romeo and Juliet is ETT's tenth Shakespeare production in the company's ten-year history," he added.

"Previous productions have included their critically acclaimed King Lear with Timothy West, Hamlet, with Eleanor Bron and Alan Cumming, and Ghosts and The Caretaker, the latter two productions performed at the Grand within the last two years."

And a free talk will take place before the November 5 performance followed by a post-show discussion.

Tickets priced from £11.50 are available from the box office on 290190.