Jude 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.