Daniel makes Broadway magic

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe was today basking in fantastic Broadway reviews for his performance as horse violator Alan Strang in Equus.

Radcliffe, co-star Richard Griffiths, director Thea Sharrock and producer David Pugh all reunited for the production of Peter Shaffer's 1973 play at New York's Broadhurst Theatre. Radcliffe's much-discussed full nude scene was also intact.

The enthusiastic critical notices given to 19-year-old Radcliffe on his West End stage debut in the play at the Gielgud Theatre last year were repeated across the Atlantic.

Influential New York Times theatre reviewer Ben Brantley raved: "The young wizard has chosen wisely... Daniel Radcliffe steps into a mothball-preserved, off-the-rack part and wears it like a tailor's delight - that is, a natural fit that allows room to stretch."

The New York Daily News noted of Radcliffe: "He's terrific and gives a passionate performance."

Entertainment Weekly wrote: "When the spotlight is on Radcliffe and his interaction with horses ... the effect is both primal and electric."

The Associated Press declared: "Let's get to the reason you folks bought tickets: Daniel Radcliffe in the nude.

And yes, he can act on stage - quite well, it turns out. The screen star of all those Harry Potter movies brings a disarming vulnerability and touching desperation to the role of Alan Strang."

Radcliffe has declared himself at home in New York, previously saying: "I love Broadway. Everyone's been wonderful."

Among those in the audience were Dominic Cooper, Richard Griffiths's co-star from The History Boys; Glenn Close and Haley Joel Osment, star of the film Sixth Sense.

After signing autographs outside the theatre, Radcliffe headed off to the Lower West Side for the private cast post-show party.

Equus is playing in New York until early February and next July Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince will be released in cinemas.

Radcliffe has said that it is his intention to continue acting in the theatre after he relinquishes his spell at Hogwarts.

Radcliffe's appearance on Broadway has created a frenzy among adolescent Harry Potter fans, extending to footage being posted on YouTube of Richard Griffiths leaving the stage door.

However, though positive about Radcliffe, critics were unanimous that Equus is dated and some on Broadway think it is being marketed ineffectively. The opening night did not sell out.