Beijing Foreign Studies University clinched the first prize, followed by Lingnan, who staged the Bard's masterpiece on gender studies, The Taming of the Shrew.

Heidi Yeung and Cyrus Tam, the lead actors in the drama, said the tension-filled scenes posed a big challenge for them.

The students said they had to play characters that were completely opposite to their personality.

Ms Yeung, 20, a Year Two student majoring in English and history, played the feisty Katherina who dominated the drama.

'When I told my friends that I was going to play the fiery female protagonist, they were all worried that my easy-going attitude would hinder me from giving a convincing performance,' she said.

'But I was able to shout and throw tantrums on stage. It was an interesting experience.'

Mr Tam's arrogant, self-centred Petruchio was also a far cry from his modest personality.

'Before the competition, I spent a lot of time in front of the mirror practising my facial expressions,' said the Year Three English language and literature student.

'Petruchio thinks he is superior, above everyone else, so he speaks in a patronising tone. I was determined to portray his arrogance in a natural way.'

Playing Shakespearean characters gave them an opportunity to hone their English skills.

'The scene where the two protagonists first meet involves a series of witty and spiteful exchanges,' said Mr Tam, 22.

'I learned many English words and expressions from that conversation.'

Ms Yeung said: 'Shakespeare's plays are full of old English. I read the lines very carefully and made sure I pronounced the words clearly. I learned a lot about pronunciation from the practice sessions before the competition.'