A sword fight outside The Forum helped actors sharpen their skills for a dramatic performance.

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk-based theatre company Crude Apache in rehearsals for its production of Zastrozzi. Photo: Al PulfordNorfolk-based theatre company Crude Apache in rehearsals for its production of Zastrozzi. Photo: Al Pulford (Image: AL PULFORD PHOTOGRAPHY)

Norfolk-based Crude Apache Theatre Company is putting on a stage adaptation of a Gothic novella at Dragon Hall, in King Street, Norwich, and its actors were completing final rehearsals this week.

Percy Shelley's Zastrozzi – The Master of Discipline tells the

tale of a master criminal and his lover Matilda who seek violent revenge upon the artist Verezzi

for the murder of Zastrozzi's

mother.

Only the solid form of Verezzi's tutor Victor and the innocent beauty of Julia, the object of his affections, can halt the fulfillment of Zastrozzi's bloody quest.

Crude Apache's production is based on a Canadian stage adaptation this work, set in 1893.

Director Jo Edye said: 'It is a different style of play for us, especially when you consider our last production was a poignant comedy drama about Norfolk legend The Singing Postman.

'The play is highly dramatic and features many extreme sword and fist fights.

'We have engaged the services of not one but two professional fight directors, both fully qualified with the British Academy of Stage and Screen Combat to ensure that the action is realistic.'

Director Mr Edye was approached by co-director of the Hostry Festival Peter Barrow, a friend of Canadian author George F Walker, who wrote the stage adaptation, to stage the play and eagerly agreed.

Shows will take place at

7.30pm at Dragon Hall from Wednesday, March 9 to Saturday, March 19, except for March 13 and March 14.

Tickets cost £10, see tinyurl.com/crudeapache