'ALL hail' a modern twist on Shakespeare classic Julius Caesar in Inverclyde this weekend.

The Greenock Players are putting the finishing touches on their adaptation of the iconic play ahead of performances at the Beacon Arts Centre on Friday and Saturday night.

Among the cast are Kevin Murphy as Brutus, Graham Campbell, who plays Mark Antony, Lauren Fisher in the role of Cassius and David Shepherd as Casca.

It is set in an independent Scotland and with kilts and suits instead of Roman togas and tunics to bring it into the 21st century but retains the very essence of Shakespeare.

Director Elaine Graham said: "Shakespeare is a bit of a challenge for a company to undertake. "We've been rehearsing since May to give us a bit of time to learn the language. "The rehearsals are going really well and I'm pleased with how it's coming together. "It's set it in a post-independent Scotland and it's not for or against independence but just to give it a modern twist for a modern audience. "Shakespeare's language is the same.

"That was one of the things I wanted to achieve.

"Sometimes the language can be a barrier to appreciate Shakespeare but when you see it you appreciate it a bit more."

This will be Elaine's first time in the chair tackling a piece by the legendary playwright.

She decided to take the plunge after being part of an elite group of just nine directors from across Scotland who were selected for an expert training course run by the Scottish Community Drama Association in conjunction with the Citizens Theatre last year.

Elaine said: "I've always wanted to do Shakespeare and thought is the perfect opportunity to do it. "Julius Caesar is also so relevant to modern-day politics with someone in a position of power and people around them worried that they have too much power and then it all unravels.

"It's my first attempt at directing Shakespeare and I don't think Greenock Players have done Shakespeare for many, many years. "It's a bit like Marmite - some people love it and some people aren't sure about it - but hopefully by making it more accessible people will give it a chance and come and see it."

The performances on Friday and Saturday start at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced £10 for adults and £8 for children, are on sale now from www.beaconartscentre.co.uk or by calling 723723.