THE Royal Shakespeare Company will follow a new production of The Tempest in Stratford, one aimed specifically at children, with a UK tour to schools and theatres.

And the youngsters will not be asked to be quiet during the shows; in fact, they will be encouraged at times to be rather noisy.

The performances will run from January to March next year, and stops on the tour will include York, Stoke-on-Trent, Cornwall, Blackpool, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northampton and London.

Directed by Aileen Gonsalves, and aimed at eight to 13 year olds, the production will open in January 2017 in Midlands schools and the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, before embarking on a seven week UK tour of schools and regional theatres.

The Tempest tells the story of the exiled Duke, Prospero, who, on a crazy island swirling with sounds, uses magic to create a home within the wilderness.

As his beloved daughter Miranda falls in love with a shipwrecked stranger from their homeland, she rebels against Prospero’s power, and he must risk forgiving those who betrayed him, or lose her forever.

Using Shakespeare’s original language, this edited version for the new production will last 90 minutes, and includes an interactive introduction to the world of the play.

Aileen Gonsalves said: “We are interested in exploring and immersing the audience in the magic of the island that the characters are stranded on. The strange creature Caliban confides, 'The isle is full of noises'.

"We want our young audience to help us create this enchanted place, bringing their own homemade instruments and joining in the singing with the eight strong cast, as they fight for power under the control of the all mighty Prospero."

She added: "His daughter Miranda, and the exquisitely “delicate” spirit Ariel show that only love can set them all free. The actors will respond uniquely to each new audience, who will use whatever is at their disposal – their voices, bodies, imaginations and each other - to join with us to create this unique 'rough magic' version of Shakespeare’s most funny, touching and fantastical tale.”

Booking details will be announced in September.