A LIVE adaptation of William’s Golding’s masterpiece, Lord of the Flies, received a rapturous applause when it opened this week.

The Gala Theatre has teamed up with Durham University’s Durham Student Theatre for the production which runs at the Durham City venue until Saturday.

Set on an uninhibited desert island, the play follows a group of schoolchildren who become stranded following a plane crash. Their attempts to govern themselves soon descend into savagery with terrifying consequences.

Directed by Annie Rigby, of Newcastle-based Unfolding Theatre, and designed by experienced theatre designer Andrew Stephenson, the atmospheric production captures the sense of fear, exhilaration and rebellion that pervades the novel.

In recent years, the Gala has developed a reputation for producing high quality productions, but Lord of the Flies marks the first time it has co-produced a show with Durham University’s Durham Student Theatre.

Robin Byers, Gala Theatre manager, said: “It’s always wonderful to see the theatre packed out on an opening night, but it is especially nice for Lord of the Flies, as this is such a special production.

“Working with Durham Student Theatre has been a privilege. The response from the audience so far is testament to just how talented these young actors are; they had us all on the edge of our seats from the beginning.”

Shows start at 7.30pm.