IT'S been criticised as sexist, remade as a teen movie, and now a new incarnation of one of Shakespeare's most controversial plays is returning to Gwent.

The Taming Of The Shrew which visits the Beaufort Theatre in Ebbw Vale on Wednesday is a new two-act ballet from Independent Ballet Wales.

With original choreography by the company's artistic director Darius James to a score by Mendelssohn, the show is an antidote to the tragedies they have performed for the last two years.

Mr James said: "Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony was an obvious choice considering the setting of the play and his early string symphonies echo the exuberance of this early play - which matches the youthful exuberance of the fine set of dancers we have this year.

"I hope we've captured the fun and vitality of this rarely performed play."

Independent Ballet Wales's production of The Taming Of The Shrew visits the Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale on Wednesday evening. Tickets are £10 or £8.50 concessions and the show starts at 7.30pm. Box office 01495 350360.