Denzel plays toga-less Caesar

Two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington, who began his career on the New York stage, is back on Broadway, pulling in the crowds with his portrayal of Brutus in an updated, toga-less Julius Caesar.

After opening night, reviewers gave his performance a pass mark, and praised the star for not allowing his Hollywood glamour to overwhelm the production. "Mr Washington does not embarrass himself, as leading citizens of Hollywood have been known to do on Broadway," the New York Times said.

"But even brilliantined in the glow of his inescapable fame, he can't help getting lost amid the wandering, mismatched crowd and the heavy topical artillery that have been assembled here."