18 Nov-11 Dec. Between November 2004 and March 2005 the RSC will be presenting four of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies - Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, King Lear and Macbeth - performed by the RSC's rolling ensemble. The first offering, Hamlet is considered by many to be Shakespeares finest tragedy, if not the greatest tragedy in the history of the theatre. It is also one of the main tests of a male actors career, together with King Lear. This time the Hamlet mantle is taken up by the actor Toby Stephens under the direction of Michael Boyd the RSCs new artistic director. Sian Thomas stars as Gertrude. The RSC's six-month season at London's Albery Theatre gives young people access to the theatre with 5 tickets for all performances.