Hamlet - West Yorkshire Playhouse

Christopher Ecclestone has made his name playing a string of heavyweight roles for the camera.

For his first Shakespearean foray on stage the Salford-born actor, known for his appearances in Cracker and Our Friends in the North, couldn't have picked a bigger or more demanding part.

But, fortunately for us, his portrayal of the Bard's famous prince shows he is more than capable of making the transition.

Ecclestone's Dane is lean, mean and without the ham that can often turn the complex character into caricature. His Hamlet veers from sarcastic teenager to a man twisted by revenge and spite. He also shows a hitherto unseen gift for comedy.

Strong support comes from Bridget Forsyth as Gertrude and Kevin McMonagle as Polonius.

Setting the action in the 1920s and interspersing the drama with a film show shouldn't work but somehow it does. The stark set is beautifully lit but the presence of so many doors is more in keeping with farce rather than tragedy.

Artistic director Ian Brown's first production at the Playhouse is ably handled and shows that he is more than up to the job of carrying on predecessor Jude Kelly's good work.

This is as gripping and entertaining as a good production of Hamlet should be and shows that our friend from the north is more than up to the job.

Hamlet runs until November 30. For details ring 0113 2137700.

Richard Brgger