THE Octagon brings Shakespeare's best known tragic hero back to the stage under an imposing marble set with an energetic cast. 

The play unfolds under the gaze of Brian Protheroe's Claudius, whose portrait never wavers while those below battle their emotions and each other. 

The stark and stately walls, which rise into the rafters contrast with David Ricardo-Pearce's soft and sympathetic Hamlet.

Ricardo-Pearce pops as Hamlet, he uses the intimacy of the Octagon to draw the audience in with his often conversational tones. 

But not before making them jump with the ferocity of his emotions and thoughts which run riot across the stage.

As the drama and tension unfolds in the latter half, each of the characters gets a chance to shine, especially Jessica Baglow, whose Ophelia is a far cry from her recent turn as Jane Eyre. 

Marc Small plays a steadfast, doting Horatio and John Branwell shows his range switching between the ghost of the king, a player and the Sexton. 

Alongside the drama and the ever-increasing tension the cast find time to make the audience laugh and the early scenes give a modern and Shakespeare-averse audience chance to ease into the dialogue and rhythms of the play. 

The Octagon's Hamlet once again proves the ability of Shakespeare to capture an audience, as the final act comes to a close, the tension is breathtaking and real edge-of-the-seat stuff. 

The play is directed by two-time Olivier award winner David Thacker. 

Mr Thacker said: "Hamlet is the perfect play to celebrate the Octagon's fiftieth anniversary.

"I'm thrilled to be working with such talented actors and creative artists as we seek to bring this wonderful play alive for the Octagon's audiences.

"I'd like our production to allow Hamlet to speak afresh for people who have seen the play many times before and be a compelling and thrilling experience for the many people who have never seen it.

"Most of all, I hope people will grab the opportunity of seeing the most famous play ever written - and perhaps Shakespeare's greatest.”

Hamlet is on at the Octagon Theatre Bolton until Saturday, March 10. Book tickets through the box office by calling 01204 520661.