It was a film that sparked the great love affair between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Now Antony and Cleopatra is set to be brought to life in Oxford – the city which found great favour from the Hollywood legends who gave their names to the Burton Taylor Studio.

And helping fire the passion in this Creation Theatre production of the Shakespeare play is leading lady Lizzie Hopley, who hopes her performances will show her character’s vulnerability and strength.

The show is in final rehearsals ahead of the opening night at the Said Business School’s rooftop amphitheatre on Friday, July 8.

Tom Peters, who plays Antony, said: “The chance to perform in a full-blown Roman-style amphitheatre does not come along very often.”

And the actor, who has played Macbeth, Robin Hood and Jesus in past Creation productions, added: “It’s definitely a challenge as an actor to get your head round performing in such a unique space – that’s a challenge worth taking.”

Performances run every night except Sunday, with Saturday matinees, from July 8 to September 3. Tickets cost between £10 and £31. The show will be moved inside if it rains.

For more details on the production, visit creationtheatre.co.uk or call 01865 766266.