AN UNUSUAL version of Hamlet takes to the Blackpool stage next month as Arc Dance Company leaps into town.

"Choreographer Kim Brandstrup was first inspired to interpret Shakespeare's Hamlet in 1993 when it was then entitled Antic," said a company spokesman.

"Though this version was in no way a straightforward rendering of the play it chose to unveil the events chronologically and within a unified fictional universe."

In the new version -- due at Blackpool's Grand Theatre on April 3 -- Brandstrup instead focuses on a young Hamlet facing an alien, adult world.

It is performed by an 11-strong company from both contemporary dance and ballet backgrounds and the spokesman described it as "an enthralling dance version of this dramatic play of revenge".

He added: "For the past fifteen years Kim Brandstrup has been exploring new ways of telling stories through dance.

"Inspired by a breadth of sources from mythology and literature to contemporary cinema, Brandstrup has created a unique style of theatre, fusing contemporary dance, ballet and drama which have earned him numerous awards."

The performance begins at 8pm and Kim Brandstrup and company members will also give a free after-show talk.

For tickets priced £12.50 (concessions available) phone the box office on 290190.