91Èȱ¬

Michael Sheen will portray one of William Shakespeare's greatest protagonists next year as he takes on the role of Hamlet at the .

Ahead of this, Sheen presents a programme on the great Dane on 91Èȱ¬ Radio Four this Saturday, in which he looks back at classic productions of the play and the many different interpretations of the role.

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A glut of young actors have recently played Hamlet, from former Time Lord David Tennant to the recent performances by Rory Kinnear at the National Theatre in London and John Simm at the Sheffield Crucible (under artistic director Daniel Evans).

In the radio programme Sheen asks why Shakespeare's play remains relevant for 21st century audiences. He is joined by other famous Hamlets, who reflect on the challenges of bringing something fresh and unexpected to some of the most famous lines in English literature.

Playing the Dane broadcasts on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 4 on Saturday 23 October at 8pm, and again on Monday 25 October at 3pm.