The life of William Shakespeare has long been shrouded in mystery, but a play coming to Twickenham this September, 450 years after his birth, may have some answers about the world’s most celebrated playwright’s infamous "lost years".

Master Shakeshafte, written by long-standing Royal Shakespeare Society member Peter Parkinson, charts the life of the revered bard during his younger days in the 1580s.

Based on the theory that Shakespeare was whisked off to Lancashire to avoid persecution for his Roman Catholic heritage, the play tells the story of how the playwright might have found the inspiration for some of his greatest creations.

Parkinson says: "There are many references in there that those who know their Shakespeare will recognise.

"The play is a whimsical comedy, and we’ve been getting more laughs than I ever imagined, but there is a serious underlying strand about religious persecution."

  • Master Shakeshafte; September 25-28, 7.45pm except Sunday 28 at 12.30pm; Mary Wallace Theatre, The Embankment, Twickenham; Tickets £8 for members, £10 for non-members; 020 8744 0547 or visit richmondshakespeare.org.uk.