THE world's most famous love story is played out on stage this autumn as Ballet Theatre UK returns to Cumbria.

The respected touring company bring their nationwide tour of Romeo and Juliet to The Forum, in Barrow, on Tuesday October 25, and to Workington's Carnegie Theatre on Friday November 25.

As the nation celebrates 400 years of William Shakespeare’s legacy, Ballet Theatre UK creates a new adaptation to tell the tragic tale of star-crossed lovers with astonishing grace and heart-breaking intimacy.

The passionate recreation of Romeo and Juliet, with its stunning costumes and innovative stage sets, transports the audience to Renaissance Verona where the tragic tale unfolds of the Capulet and Montague families.

During the opulent Capulet’s ball, the lovers meet, sparking a fateful series of events. The story follows the couple as they experience the greatest of romances to their tragic final embrace.

Christopher Moore, artistic director of Ballet Theatre UK, says: "A live show with a high visual content and rousing music will always set the heart beating faster. Romeo and Juliet is a perfect introduction as it is such a well-known story yet the complex choreography challenges for the seasoned classical ballet fan.

"I've taken inspiration from an eclectic mix of classical dance, theatre, popular culture and literature to create new interpretations of popular classical ballets, and I hope to continue to develop new and original productions in the future in the same way. We have been lucky enough to be granted permission by the Prokofiev family to use the score for our production which has made creating the choreography a thrilling and inspiring experience."

Both shows start at 7.30pm, and tickets are available from the respective venues' box offices.