In the corner rests a very ancient copy of Shakespeare’s works. And centre stage, three actors run around reciting lines from the Bard’s plays, but not as we’ve ever heard them before.

Darren Barsby’s production of The Complete Works of Shakespeare could not be more fitting in the year of his 400th anniversary of his death and being performed at the beautiful Elizabethan building that houses the Barn Theatre in Welwyn Garden City.

This masterpiece, which went on to become a world-wide phenomenon was originally written by American comics Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield in 1987 for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In 2013 it was revised and brought up to date and it is this version that Darren has chosen to stage. He has also added in some well-known scenes of his own.

He says: “Thinking of something to complement the Barn age, in the year of his anniversary, it had to be Shakespeare. But how do you choose?

“Not a history, or a tragedy, but all of them. Brevity is the soul of wit, according to one of my favourite Shakespearean characters, and nothing could be more brief than to canter through the Bard's canon of works in a mere ninety minutes – give or take.

“It’s been quite a challenge, because I haven’t directed physical theatre before, so this is very different. No character development here, but we do have Harry Harding in a nurse’s uniform with his plastic breasts falling out.”

The show features three what Darren calls overachievers attempting to perform all 37 plays, including one backwards.

Harry Harding, who was directed by Darren in After Miss Julie and appeared on the Barn stage in Brassed Off, admits that he is playing his dream role as Hamlet.

Although it is not quite as he imagined, saying: “When After Miss Julie finished I needed a Shakespeare fix, so went off to play Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing for the Bancroft Players and Malvolio in Twelfth Night with the Lytton Players.

“And now I’m here again, in final rehearsals for Hamlet, and several other roles, living my dream – well, sort of.”

Performing alongside Harry is Ros Barnes, who has been a member of Hertford’s The Company Of Players for 20 years, and Emrys Matthews who, like Harry, has had a wealth of experience in performing Shakespearean plays including Macbeth, Twelfth Night and The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Speaking about what to expect from his version, Darren adds: “As we journey through the plays we should be aware that historical accuracy, detailed costumes and perfect intonation are not to be expected of this production.

“Mild audience participation and a sound disregard for the iambic pentameter are prerequisites for the show and if that sounds like a jolly night out then come and see as the talented trio slice their way through football games, cookery shows and rap, in order to interpret the great works.”

Barn Theatre, Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City, June 10-18. Details: 01707 324300, barntheatre.co.uk.