The magnificent Dome at the University of Derby's Devonshire Campus has been transformed into a unique 600-seater theatre for the production, which opened last night (Wednesday).

Featuring a cast of nine current and former University of Derby Theatre Arts students, the play has been designed to give a contemporary feel to the Shakespearean comedy - as well as a festive one.

The production aims to draw out the play's strong themes of the question of one's identity and role in society, which are still very much a part of modern life.

In the play Duke Orsino loves Olivia but is rejected by her. He employs Cesario to win over Olivia for him, not realising his new go-between is actually a woman shipwreck victim called Viola disguised as a man.

Things get more complicated when Cesario falls for his/her boss Orsino and Olivia takes a shine to Cesario/Viola ... and that's just the start of the confusion.

Paul Hurt, Production Co-ordinator for Theatre Arts at the University of Derby, said: "There are themes embedded in Twelfth Night which are still very relevant to today's society."

It is the second 'Shakespeare in the Dome' production by the university and Buxton Opera House, following the staging of A Midsummer Night's Dream in 2005.

Tickets for Twelfth Night, which runs until Saturday, are priced £14 and can be purchased from the Buxton Opera House box office on 0845 127 2190 or online at www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk