SIBLING fist fights have turned into top class physical theatre for two Worcester brothers.

Matt and Chris Gunter have been a double act for about 27 years - since they were toddlers, in fact, when they began putting on shows.

Matt said: "Our parents noticed we were into running around and playing.

"We'd make up these fantasy games. It was early childhood improvisation, I guess."

About 18 months ago they set up a theatre company called Spanner and, now, they are hoping their act - described by Matt as a fast, energetic, frenetic investigation of the place called the real world which blends together physical theatre, puppetry, poetry, stage-fighting, songs, narration, sketches, martial arts and a healthy helping of danger - proves popular in their home town.

"We refined our stage fighting technique and made it all the more theatrical," said Matt. "We've been doing scratch-based cabaret performances all around the Midlands, making contacts with the Arts Council and it's been very Birmingham-based. We want to open up theatre and make it more accessible to everyone.

"Too much theatre nowadays is about itself."

Both brothers, former members of Worcester Youth Theatre and Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society, attended Perdiswell Primary School and the Royal Grammar. Chris then studied drama at Bristol while Matt studied theatre and performance at Warwick.

Last year, Spanner took part in the Worcester Festival, performing a specifically written piece of street theatre called History Of England.

Their new show, Ball Of Sketch, is being performed at Worcester Arts Workshop tomorrow at 8pm.

Tickets, £4, are available in advance on 01905 21095 and on the door.