IT is arguably one of the most famous roles in the world of theatre - and next week, Paapa Essiedu will get the chance to take Hamlet to the stage for a second time.

This will be the first time that this award-winning adaptation by the Royal Shakespeare Company can be seen by theatre audiences in Manchester.

In a radical re-working of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays, Paapa's Hamlet will be returning to modern West African state following the death of his father, the state's ruler.

"I don't think there is a problem putting Shakespeare in a different setting," said Paapa. "The important thing is that you provide a world in which the story can be told clearly and with as much accessibility as possible. That is what we are always striving for no matter how complex the story is.

"You can tell the story in a new way but to do so clarity is so important."

The play was described as 'a landmark production' when it ran at the RSC in Stratford in 2016 and Paapa picked up a UK Theatre Award for his performance.

"A lot has changed in my life and in the world at large since we did this the first time," he said. "It opened last time before Brexit, before Donald Trump - it just shows you how much the world can change in such a short period of time. I know it won't be the same show as we did in 2016."

Does returning to a part make things any easier for an actor?

"It's not the same as starting from scratch," said Paapa. "But I've got this thing where I think my brain is too full of information, probably because it is too small, but as soon as I finish a play or a TV show or whatever, the lines just disappear immediately."

For an actor being invited to play Hamlet is the ultimate compliment. But there is also a tremendous amount of expectation.

"There is a certain degree of trepidation," said Paapa, "but there is excitement as well. Let's face it, being asked to play Hamlet is a challenge but as an actor you love a challenge, that's why we are in the business we're in.

"You want to see how you can stand up to those challenges and for a part like Hamlet there are a lot of names that precede you and you want to see how you stand up in relation to those names and see how you measure up.

"I'd seen three or four productions of Hamlet before I even considered going for the role, mainly because I like the play.

"When I got the part, I was wary of trying to replicate anyone else. The part is so massive and deep and multi-layered that you can't really copy anyone. The pressure is on you to create your own version of the role."

Paapa is delighted to be able to bring Hamlet to life for a second time.

"I am thrilled to be able to know a part so intimately and then come back to it again," he said.

Hamlet is a character who has divided opinion for over 400 years so how does Paapa regard him?

"I always try not to judge characters," he said. "I think it's very important not to judge characters that you play whether they are good guys or bad guys. The danger is you pass judgement on them and they can become caricatures.

"But I guess I like him. I certainly think he is incredibly interesting and there is an excitement to watching someone who acts on their instincts although he probably kills a few too many people for my liking!"

Taking Shakespeare to the regions is something Paapa is particularly keen to do.

"It's a real passion of mine," he said. "I love being in Stratford but companies like the RSC or the National Theatre have got responsibility to go to the people.

"Not everyone can afford a train ticket to Stratford or London or to stay overnight but they are desperate to watch high quality productions.

"We have a real responsibility to bring those productions to them."

Although there is a large audience waiting for the chance to see the Bard's works performed at their local theatre, a number of people are put off by Shakespeare regarding it is being 'difficult'.

"Shakespeare himself was an actor," said Paapa, "and his plays were written to be performed for an audience. They were not meant to be performed in front of intellectuals and academics, These are plays about real people for real people.

I always feel with Shakespeare that if the actor knows what he or she is saying then you should be able to communicate it to the audience.

"For me there is a level of genius to Shakespeare. There are some wonderful observations and an understanding of humanity. The themes are universal and timeless – love, death, jealousy and revenge – so hopefully it will have a real resonance."

Hamlet, the Lowry, Salford Quays, Friday, January 26 to Saturday, February 3. Details from 0843 208 6000 or www.thelowry.com