Show Pics: Michael Sheen is Young Vic's Hamlet

Ian Rickson's Young Vic production of Hamlet, starring Michael Sheen in the title role, opens at the Southwark venue tomorrow (9 November, previews from 28 October 2011). The production marks Sheen’s first Shakespearean role since Henry V for the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1997 and Rickson's Shakespearean directing debut, having spent 12 years as artistic director of new writing powerhouse the Royal Court.

Sheen is the latest in a line of big names to portray the Prince of Denmark, including David Tennant, Jude Law and Rory Kinnear's acclaimed outing at the National Theatre last year.

Sheen, who was last seen on the London stage in Frost/Nixon, which began at the Donmar Warehouse in 2006 and transferring to the West End, Broadway and was adapted for the big screen, is joined in the cast by James Clyde as Claudius, Sally Dexter as Gertrude, Michael Gould as Polonius, Vinette Robinson as Ophelia, Benedict Wong as Laertes and Hayley Carmichael who plays Hamlet's loyal companion Horatio.

The Young Vic have today (8 November 2011) released images of the production, a head of tomorrow's press night.

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Hayley Carmichael & Michael Sheen in Hamlet. Photo credit: Simon Annand

Michael Sheen & Benedict Wong in Hamlet. Photo credit: Simon Annand

James Clyde & Michael Sheen in Hamlet. Photo credit: Simon Annand

Michael Sheen in Hamlet. Photo credit: Simon Annand

Michael Sheen in Hamlet. Photo credit: Simon Annand

Michael Sheen & Vinette Robinson in Hamlet. Photo credit: Simon Annand