UNTIL APRIL 22, BRISTOL: If you fancy a theatrical dose of blood and ambition, take a trip to Bristol next month.

Shakespeare's Macbeth will take to the Tobacco Factory stage and audiences may be surprised by the murderer Macbeth.

Gyuri Sarossy, 29, takes the lead and defends his character - at the beginning.

He said: "Macbeth is a good man at the start and not a scheming Machiavelli.

"In a sense he and Lady Macbeth are victims of ambition and prophecy."

Zoe Aldrich plays his other half, who incites him to kill for power.

Gyuri, who is half Hungarian, said: "She is older than me, which gives a maternal edge. She wears the trousers at first but later on Macbeth remains rational and only slightly psychotic."

Quite a Bard-veteran, he has already appeared in Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, Coriolanus and Twelfth Night.

But playing Macbeth was an offer he couldn't refuse.

He said: "I have overdosed on Shakespeare really, but it's such a good theatre company and meaty role."

And being from Bristol, he also gets the chance to visit family.

After graduating from Nottingham University with an English degree, Gyuri returned home to study at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

He has since moved to London, where he lives with his writer girlfriend Catherine Shepherd, 28.

He said: "She writes and presents comedy, which is a different world to theatre so we don't bore each other rigid when talking about work."

So far Gyuri hasn't done much TV, except a children's programme called Belfry Witches. He played a doddering, nave curate called Ben.

He said: "It was fun and I'd like to do more TV or film work.

"A part in something like the Lord of the Rings would be fantastic."

But Gyuri loves the intimacy of working on stage and how it's okay to laugh when people slip up.

He said: "When someone forgets their lines and improvises, it's hard not to crack up but it's affectionate humour."

Nerves before the performance are Gyuri's weakness.

On the first night, he will often ask: "Why am I putting myself through this again?"

He said: "It's so horrible, you feel like leaping in a taxi.

"Then the nerves disappear and everything is great.

"You just have to go with what bakes your biscuit and for me it's quality theatre."

As for relaxation, Gyuri likes lying in bed with fresh coffee and pastries, going for walks, meeting friends and watching DVDs.

He said: "I can't stand clubbing or pubs which play music full blast.

"A movie and glass of wine with my girlfriend is more my idea of a good night."

Macbeth runs until March 13 and on April 13, 14, 16, 17, 19 and 22.

Tickets cost between £10 and £18. For bookings call 0117 902 0344.

VICTORIA TAGG