Never was there a story of more woe

The production — brought almost up to date, to the 20th century — was created especially for the national troupe by Polish choreographer Krzysztof Pastor in 2008, and marked an extremely successful tour for Scottish Ballet in 2010.

It’s no surprise, then, that Romeo & Juliet is back and on the road to Inverness, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and London — and, of course, Glasgow.

Pastor’s version follows Shakespeare’s forbidden lovers through three acts and three distinct time periods; starting in black and white and a 1920s Italian metropolis, onto the sepia-toned 1950s and the aftermath of Mussolini’s Fascist regime and finally the 1990s, and a land dominated by 24/7 news and global conflicts.

The choreographer explained: “The characters don’t age — they remain the same, but the change of setting is really just to emphasise the fact that this story could be happening at any time.

“The conflict is between the Montagues and the Capulets, but it could as easily be between a Catholic and a Protestant, or a Muslim and a Jew.

“Divisions and conflicts, walls and wars are timeless.”

Of course, we all know that there’s no happy ending in store for our star crossed lovers — but with Scottish Ballet at the helm, they’re sure to go out with a leap.

Romeo & Juliet runs at the King’s April 19-26. Tickets are £10.50-£43.50 from 08448717648 or www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre.