SPACE-AGE Shakespeare and silent movies are the diverse subjects of shows on stage in Weymouth this week.

Youngsters from Budmouth College are performing Return to the Forbidden Planet at the school’s Clare Hall while students from Wey Valley School will be performing at Weymouth Pavilion tomorrow and Thursday with their adaptation of Mack and Mabel.

Return to the Forbidden Planet is a sci-fi take on The Tempest, set on a mysterious planet where a mad scientist and his daughter have been marooned.

The cast includes Charley Vincent as Captain Tempest, Nathan Gregory as Prospero and Elisha Bayliffe as Miranda.

The show’s director Lesley Carter said: “Return to the Forbidden Planet is an exciting, lively, colourful show with loads of energy.

“The talented cast and band range from Year Seven students right through to Year 13 and all have joined to work hard and create fantastic music and drama. A special mention goes to the Art and Design department who have worked on the show as part of their BTEC course.”

Ed Hintze is the musical director of Mack and Mabel, which stars Keaton Sellen and Abigail Strong in the title roles.

It is the story of a waitress who finds fame starring in silent musicals and love with her director, until her golden dream turns sour and ends in tragedy.

Ed, who has been working on the play alongside director Margot Stanley, said: “The kids have bundles of enthusiasm and have really been throwing themselves into the show and working very hard.

“It is a large cast, and rehearsals started in September so we are looking forward to getting on stage.”

Return to the Forbidden Planet is at Budmouth College today and tomorrow at 7.30pm, with tickets available from the school.

Mack and Mabel is at Weymouth Pavilion tomorrow and Friday at 7.30pm, tickets cost £9 plus concessions from the box office on 01305 783225.