HE has just finished playing one of a group of con artists on our screens and now Robert Glenister is tackling a different challenge.

The Hustle star is performing in Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler at the Theatre Royal Bath until March 6 alongside Bond villian Rosamund Pike and Blackadder’s Tim McInnerny.

Robert plays the role of Tesman, the new husband of Hedda. When they return from their honeymoon, Hedda finds herself already bored with her marriage. She is soon caught between the a brilliant academic and a predatory judge, and a shocking path of destruction unfolds.

“Ibsen wrote some fantastic parts,” said Robert.

“I thought this sounded like an interesting role to play. It is quite interesting trying to make someone who is essentially incredibly boring funny.”

The actor is also looking forward to being reunited with director Adrian Noble, with whom he has worked with previously.

“We worked togther on Little Eyolf with the Royal Shakespeare Company 19 years ago, so it’s nice to have the chance to work alongside one another again,” he said.

Robert is hoping that the star cast will draw in people who might not usually go to the theatre.

“It might happen. Even if they have never heard of the play or Ibsen it gives them a comfort zone that they know the actors and what we have done before,” he said.

“It’d be nice to think that might be the case and it might entice newcomers along to the theatre.”

And he promises that those who do go along will have a good evening.

“It’s funny, and you don’t necessarily think of it as being that,” he said.

“But is also has thriller elements and there are some challenging moments too.

“It is one of Ibsen’s best-known plays and it fantastically written, so people should definitely give it a try.”

Hedda Gabler also runs at the Oxford Playhouse from March 29 - April 3. To book tickets call the box office on 01865 305305.