The Royal Shakespeare Company is putting on eight performances of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew in Bradford next year – half of them at a school.

It is part of a six week tour of regional UK theatres and schools aimed at youngsters aged from eight to 13, as well as adults.

With male actors playing female roles, and vice versa, this First Encounter production tells the story of two people’s crazy journey towards becoming the perfect match.

Using an edited version of the original text, it will also include an introduction to the performance and a chance to hear from the actors, to create an instructive first experience of seeing Shakespeare live.

RSC Associate Artists, Katy Stephens and Forbes Masson will take on the lead roles: Katy as Petruchio and Forbes as Katherine.

Director Michael Fentiman said: “Our production will embrace a spirit of mash-up and confusion. Girls dressed as present-day males will play the boys – but without beards.

“Boys dressed as Elizabethan females will play the girls – but with beards.

“Feminine and masculine are thrown around so that the audience can focus on a story about two extraordinary people, who find each other in the midst of madness, fighting like cat and dog, but, in doing so, fall madly in love.”

Jacqui O’Hanlon, RSC director of education said: “The Taming of the Shrew is a provocative play that I hope will challenge, intrigue and ultimately delight audiences of all ages, but particularly the young people for whom it has been created.

“The RSC is committed to taking its work out nationally, ensuring that more people can participate in it.

“We are delighted that the production travels into the heart of communities, playing in a variety of different spaces, from primary school halls to main house stages.

“Along with our regional theatre partners and schools we look forward to meeting new audiences in all of the different venues, providing a great first introduction to Shakespeare’s extraordinary plays.”

Performances at Bingley Grammar School are at 2pm and 7pm on February 18 and 19.

The afternoon shows are school performances, the evening ones are for the public.

The play switches to St George’s Hall for two shows on February 20, and one each on the 21 and 22.

Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children.

For tickets at Bingley Grammar School ring (01274) 807700, ext 212.

For St George’s Hall tickets ring (01274) 432000.