This time, however, it's not just the Bard who is causing all the drama – but the arrival of a renowned Czech theatre designer, who has left the baroque theatres of southern Bohemia to share his professional costume and set-building skills with BYT's company of enthusiastic young people.

Christopher Vinz, an accomplished artist and sculptor, has a studio in Prague and an imposing theatrical client list which includes the Royal Opera House, the English National Opera and the 18th-century Castle Theatre in Ceský Krumlov.

With these credentials, it's no wonder he has received such a warm welcome, although he is no stranger to the Borders, having worked with this production's director Clare Brett on three previous occasions.

Christopher said: "I was asked to get involved with Romeo and Juliet as BYT feel it's important to offer young people opportunities in costume creation and set-building as well as drama.

"So much goes on behind the scenes when producing a play and it's an incredibly rewarding experience for all those involved.

"I'm thrilled at being able to share my experience with such enthusiastic young people; they're a great team."

"It's been a real challenge to do so much in such a short space of time," he continued. "But everyone's embraced this play with such commitment and energy."

The Borders group's troupe of actors has been hard at it for weeks, reciting their Elizabethan dialogue throughout the first part of their summer holidays.

"I'm so excited to be playing the part of Juliet," said Charlotte Watson, "as it's my first lead role ... so I'm slightly nervous too."

For some BYT members this will be their last show with the theatre company as university life beckons, but for Adam Stevenson, who plays Romeo this weekend, a career in acting awaits after winning a place at the prestigious Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow.

In the meantime, he plans to work with the Scottish Youth Theatre.

"It will make a change for me to play a loved-up teenager instead of a villain," laughed Adam. "So I'm really looking forward to playing Romeo.

"I'm very proud to be part of Borders Youth Theatre – it's an incredible organisation and deserves far more recognition. We're a very professional company with superb actors and this production promises to be outstanding."

Romeo and Juliet will be performed in the Morrison Hall Theatre at St Mary's School, Melrose, on Saturday and Sunday.

Doors open at 6.45pm with the curtain going up at 7pm. Tickets priced £5 (£4 concessions) will be available on the door.

Tickets are also available in advance from Melrose Tourist Information Centre or by calling the ticket hotline on 0870 608 0404.