"THE TIME is out of joint", to quote Hamlet, but the Dane's creator would be forgiven for thinking the same thing if he was around today.

Shakespeare's plays were popular in their time, but centuries later are being performed so frequently that you'd be forgiven in thinking the man and his work are newer than Britney Spears.

And for the next fortnight Newport's Dolman Theatre will be presenting three of his very best.

Nine professional actors from across the UK have come to Newport to perform one of the Bard's best comedies, Much Ado About Nothing, his bloodiest tragedy, Macbeth, and the sublime A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Each play is being produced in a different style and setting, with a different director. Much Ado takes place in a classically English country garden. Macbeth is performed in its traditional setting, in a Scotland ill at ease with English rule.

Director Drew Baker said: "I wanted to set Macbeth in Shakespeare's contemporary style and period.

"This traditional version is performed with energy and vitality by a young and enthusiastic cast of professionals.

"Macbeth is a feat of dramatic genius compelling the audience to sympathise with a cold-blooded murderer."

A Midsummer Night's Dream is set in Athens. Director Niall Costigan said: "When I approached this play I was very concerned about creating a dangerous world for all these characters to exist in.

"I believe that the best comedy comes from dangerous situations and high stakes and we strove to bring that element to the forefront of this production."

The festival begins on Monday and runs until July 22, with all three plays showing in rotation.

Tickets for each are £5 from the box office on 01633 263670.