Hamlet

Jude Law plays the Dane in a stellar conclusion to the Donmar's 'West End' project, which has sought to draw West End audiences to 'serious' theatre over the past 12 months. Certainly Britain's top eye candy will catch the attention of the tabloids but this piece has more than just star power. Directed by Donmar Artistic Director Michael Grandage (after Kenneth Branagh pulled out in order to direct Thor) this should be a memorable production.

Hamlet is a riveting piece with plenty of opportunity for subtlety, grand drama, and poetic tragedy. The prince is an admirable and a tragic figure, but his rage and destructive motivation are out of all proportion. Some have viewed this as a dramatic flaw that makes him less believable, but perhaps it's better to see the Dane as an extreme personality type. Which makes Hamlet the first dramatic dissection of manic depression.

A landmark production that will see huge crowds watching Shakespeare in the West End. What better way to celebrate and conclude the Donmar's well thought-out project?