SHAKESPEARE was a fan of quirky stage set-ups – his circular Globe Theatre making its mark in Elizabethan England.

So he would no doubt have approved of the ambitious floating lake performance put on by 50 Oxford University students in the grounds of Worcester College.

The Merchant of Venice, based in the floating city of the play’s title, came to life in gardens of the Walton Street college this week.

Producer Anna Koch, a Christ Church college film student, said: “It is based on the lake to the extent that the actors make their entrance and exits on boats and act in them too.”

About 200 people watched the debut performance on Tuesday night.

James Sheldrake, who plays Salanio, said: “It went really well. It was great to finally put it in front of an audience.”

The shows run until Saturday. For more information go to shakespeareonthelake.co.uk