IT'S the play about star-crossed lovers that has inspired generations of romantics.

IT'S the play about star-crossed lovers that has inspired generations of romantics.

But the latest production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet has been given a modern twist by a group of Glasgow school pupils keen to push an anti-sectarian message.

When teenagers from St Thomas Aquinas Secondary in the West End studied the story - which tells of the warring Montague and Capulet families - they decided it was relevant to Glasgow because of west Scotland's appalling history of sectarianism.

The Old Firm is determined to tackle fans who sing sectarian songs during Rangers and Celtic matches.

Now the teenagers have swapped the play's traditional medieval costumes in favour of modern outfits in green and blue to demonstrate the tragic consequences of prejudice.

And in the famous balcony scene, when Juliet utters the immortal line "Wherefore art thou, Romeo?" the young lovers are now caught between sectarian rather than family loyalties.

The cast say the production - part of the nationwide Shakespeare for Schools festival - made them think hard about their own life experiences.

Third-year pupil Emma Gray, 14, from Anniesland, plays Juliet. She said: "Sectarianism is a big issue in Glasgow and that's why we decided to tackle it in the play.

"Lots of young people have had some sort of personal experience, even if it's just hearing others using offensive language.

"Hopefully we can show people it doesn't matter what religion you are - it's what's inside that counts."

Romeo is played by Riccardo Acari, 15, from Bearsden. He said: "Shakespeare is great because the themes of his plays are still very relevant today.

"As in Romeo and Juliet, sometimes it's the older generation who keep feuds and rivalries going.

"We are young and hopefully we can think for ourselves, take a positive message away and set a good example to others."

A spokesman from anti-sectarian campaigners Nil By Mouth said the theatre production was a fantastic way of tackling the issue.

The play will be performed at St Thomas Aquinas Secondary in Jordanhill on Wednesday at 7.30pm and Rutherglen Town Hall next Friday at 7.30pm.