Afternoon:
12°c
An awesome and ridiculous film that leaves you thrilled beyond the point of your natural endurance
London faces a wave of bus and Tube strikes that could cause chaos for millions of passengers as unions walkout over pay and conditions
More...
Happiness is...more seats for Jude Law's Hamlet
29.05.09Jude Law is set to take on the most challenging role of his career.
He is making his debut as Hamlet in the final production of the Donmar Warehouse's season in the West End.
'Raw energy': Penelope Wilton as Gertrude and Jude Law as the Danish prince in Michael Grandage's production of Hamlet at Wyndham's theatre
Nearly all the advance tickets have been already snapped up for Law's three-month stint as the troubled Danish prince at Wyndham's theatre. But more seats will be released daily for those willing to queue up.
For any who have failed to catch Law's previous appearances on stage, director Michael Grandage promised them a great night out.
Speaking after last night's first dress rehearsal, Grandage said of Law: “It's not just a head performance, it's a big heart performance as well.
“He has an intelligence with the text which is always something you want, but he has a huge emotional range so it's very, very thrilling.
“I think those people who haven't seen him before will be amazed.
“Those who have seen him before know he has that raw exciting energy which is wonderful to see.”
Meeting the fans: Jude Law signs autographs after a dress rehearsal
Law, 36, was last seen on stage at the Young Vic seven years ago when he played Marlowe's Doctor Faustus in a performance hailed by the Standard as “compelling”.
Kenneth Branagh was due to direct Law in the Shakespearean tragedy but pulled out to make a film.
Hamlet runs until 22 August. After London, the Donmar production has been invited to Kronborg Castle in Denmark — the Elsinore of Shakespeare's play.
Related articles
Reader views (4)
I bought my ticket in March 2008, I bought my aeroplane ticket last month... I hope I can make it. I really wish to see Jude on stage and be mesmerized by his live performance.
- Analía, Buenos Aires, Argentina
i'm sure he will do the meloncholy dane justice. he is such a talented actor and so lovely. i'm flying across the atlantic just to see his performance.
- Dolores Craeg, florida...usa
Really looking forward to it, booked it nearly a year ago and until last month had forgotten I was going!!
- Kevin Archibald, St Albans Hertfordshire
I had a ticket but had to give it up to a friend because circumstances prevent me from making the trip to London this summer. I'm pretty sad about that. I think it would be a good idea if, after they finish with their Denmark invitational, that they scoot on over here to NYC for a few weeks. Just a suggestion. : )
- Sheryl, United States
