Shakespeare wrote: “All the world’s a stage....”

And for three hours on Saturday that was true of Canterbury’s Combined Courts which became the stage for a number of mock trials.

The annual open day drew huge crowds to watch the feuding Romeo, the anguished Goldilocks accused of burglary and facing porridge..and the tale of revenge by Harry Potter’s nemesis Malfoy.

The hundreds of mums, dads, youngsters and children who came to watch the performances in the infamous Goldilocks trial– played by real-life barristers – two eminent QCs - with a retired judge, court staff..and a genuine West End actress giving evidence in a packed court six.

A delighted Adele Williams – Canterbury’s resident judge – said: “Everyone seemed to have a great time, whether they were people in advanced years or schoolchildren and students.

“The work which goes on daily in these combined courts touch more lives than just those on trial for serious crimes. It is important people get to see the work done in civil and family cases.

“It would be good if we have given confidence to people who may have to sit as jurors, or who come to settle civil disputes – and maybe some may be inspired to look for careers, not just as lawyers, but as clerks, ushers, security staff, police, the Crown Prosecution Service, the witness service and probation.

“These courts could not function without all these people.”

Youngsters were also able to visit the court cells where those who are sentenced to jail or are awaiting trial are held.

And the police dog unit put on a great display showing just how valuable dogs are in their work, helping arrest criminals and sniffing drugs.

Other officers showed delighted youngsters how fingerprints were taken – leaving them with a “certificate” proving how unique fingerprints are.

After the formal opening by the High Sheriff of Kent, Kathrin Smallwood, the mock trials began with many of the court staff played the roles of defendants or witnesses and members of the public acting as jurors and judges in the cases.

One of the judges, James O’Mahoney – who was presiding in the Romeo Montague trial – delivered his summing up in Shakespearean rhyming couplets!

And afterwards some of the judges and lawyers took part in the 10k sponsored Legal Walk to raise money for the Kent Law Clinic.

Judge Williams added: “I would like to thank all those who gave up their time to make this event such a success. It is the enthusiasm and dedication of court staff and the Kent Bar which ensured its success again.”