PATRICK STEWART - SHAKESPEARE VEGAS-STYLE

Veteran actor PATRICK STEWART is producing a glittering Las Vegas version of WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE's play THE MERCHANT OF VENICE - and he has already recruited THE LORD OF THE RINGS star SIR IAN McKELLEN.

The 65-year-old STAR TREK actor is convinced Sin City is the perfect setting for the ancient text - which centres around gambling and greed.

However, some working on the project are less than impressed with the glitz factor, hinting that Stewart is trying too hard.

One insider tells Britain's Sunday Telegraph, "I think the idea of the Las Vegas setting is a step too far.

"I think it's an example of taking a simple idea and hitting it with a sledgehammer."