THE idea that William Shakespeare's plays are performed by stuffy thespians who take themselves far too seriously is shattered by the antics of chaotic theatre company Oddsocks Productions.

Instead of high brow Oddsocks stuffs its performances of the Bard's best plays with a barrel load of jokes and enthusiasm.

The company bring their energetic new version of The Taming of the Shrew to the Midlands Arts Centre's (MAC) outdoor arena on Wednesday, July 19 and Thursday, July 20.

The play centres around the rogueish Petruchio trying to tame the beautiful Kate, who is so fearsomley feisty she is avoided by local male population.

Oddsocks have promised to throw into the already explosive mix song, slapstick and a load of jokes in an effort to split as many sides as possible.

The company was the brainchild of Andy Barrow and Elli Mackenzie, both of whom are graduates of the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

Oddsocks have been touring nationally for over 12 years and the original line-up performed traditional slapstick clown shows at parties, fetes and festivals.

Now the company try to recapture how Shakespeare's plays would originally have been performed, with little in sets or props and with a large slice of audience interaction.

Tickets for The Taming of the Shrew cost £13 (£10 concession) and can be bought by calling the box office on 0121 4403838.