The Scullions began as a group of drama students who scooped a residency at the famous Globe Theatre in London.

The experience inspired Nicky Cooper, Tom Dello and Sam Robertson to follow the Bard by creating their own theatre company to perform Shakespeare's plays.

The actors latest production is the dark and passionate tale of Antony and Cleopatra, which is given a 1920s twist by The Scullions.

Antony and Cleopatra is set in the world of the bright young things of the roaring twenties, but the back drop is the dangerous criminal underworld of prohibition America.

Nicky said: The show is a semi-immersive take on the play, set in a 1920's cabaret bar owned by Cleo. With live music and authentic design and costume, we're hoping to deliver something on a more epic scale to what has come before!''

Also featured in the drama are Sofia Caley, Julie Clerc, Petra Jones, Saili Katebe, Njeko Katebe, Alex Latham, Phoebe Mulcahy. Nic Proud, Sam Rugman, Corey Rumble and Michael Weston.

Nicky said: "Cleopatra was born to the greatest fortune in Egypt. Accustomed to such wealth, her life is a constant party of drink, drugs and fancy dress. Dubbing herself Queen of the Nile she and her entourage feel like gods. But vanity and power crave excitement.

"By arranged encounter, Cleo finds herself the lover of a very dangerous man – Mark Antony of Rome and one of a trio of men that run the criminal underworld with an iron fist as The Triumvirate.

"As Antony and Cleopatra’s worlds collide, shockwaves course through them and the universe is changed forever.''

Nicky also set up the Scullions Neoterics Theatre Company, which performs contemporary drama. The curtain rose on the company in 2016, and he took the name from one of Shakespeare’s texts. It means a servant who is given the worst tasks.

Other Shakespeare texts performed by The Scullions were Hal and Falstaff – using elements of Henry IV parts one and two, Henry V and Otello.

Antony and Cleopatra unfolds tonight at Swindon Dance, Town Hall Studios, Regent Circus from 7.30pm. Tickets are £12, concessions £10 from For more details visit www.thescullions.org

Nicky lives in Shrivenham and he will also be bringing the dramatic take on the Bard to the Memorial Hall in his home town in the Shrivenham Memorial Hall on March 15 and 16. - Flicky Harrison