IN the beginning was the word — but now it’s just got funnier.

The acclaimed Reduced Shakespeare Company will be heading to Burnley later this month with The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged), in which three members of the company bring to life both the old and new testament in just 90 minutes.

Given the subject matter, it is perhaps not surprising the show has been surrounded by controversy — it was even banned from venues in Northern Ireland.

“You couldn’t buy that kind of publicity,” said cast member Gary Finnan. “But the opposition came from people who have not seen the show. They have seen the title and perhaps a couple of clips on YouTube which are taken out of context.

“The show actually respects and celebrates the Bible. We love the Good Book — we’re just trying to make it even better.”

Gary has been involved with the RSC since 1999 and has toured in several of the company's shows.

“Before I auditioned for the company, I went to see the Complete Works of Shakespeare show,” he said. “At first I couldn’t work out the cast. They were actors but sort of doing stand-up with lots of mad costume changes, all at a million miles an hour.

“It took me until the second half to really appreciate that they really knew what they were doing.”

The Bible show is a frenetic romp.

“There are lots of stories that people will be aware of from childhood but also some that they will be less familiar with, all done in our own style.

“You can be sure there will be plenty of begatting going on. It’s a real rollercoaster of a show.

“it’s amazing how many times members of the audience will come up after the show and say how they have appreciated it and that it has made them wnt to go and re-read their Bibles.”

Given the amount of ground the show has to cover, it is very carefully scripted.

“The art is to make it look to the audience as though it is spontaneous,” said Gary. “There are some points in the show where we can ad-lib a bit and anyone who has seen us before knows that the audience is very much the fourth member of the cast, so every night will be slightly different.

“I just think it’s important that anyone coming along has a sense of humour. it’s important for all of us to have that and we just hope we can lift the spirits a little.”

The Bible: The Complete Word of God, Burnley Mechanics, Tuesday, March 25. Details from 01282 664400.