Radcliffe wins rave reviews in "Equus"

By Paul Majendie

LONDON (Reuters) - Daniel Radcliffe shook off the mantle of Harry Potter on Wednesday to win rave reviews for his stage portrayal of a tortured teenager in the gruelling psychological thriller "Equus".

"No flash in the magic pan," said The Guardian after the London premier of the play which saw the 17-year-old star of the boy wizard movies come of age on the stage.

Radcliffe won praise for his performance but critics argued that Peter Shaffer's play, first performed in 1973, had not stood the test of time.

Fellow actors like Christian Slater and Richard E.Grant hailed Radcliffe on the first night for taking on such a testing role and the critics agreed.

With much media hype over Radcliffe's iconic nude scene in the play, advance sales had already topped two million pounds, making the play virtually critic-proof.

And London's staid Gielgud Theatre was besieged every night at previews by adoring teenage fans of Radcliffe.

"Brilliant Radcliffe throws off Harry Potter's cloak," The Daily Telegraph said. "He is a thrilling stage actor of unexpected range and depth."

The Independent was equally warm, saying of Radcliffe "He cuts a compelling figure" in the role of a troubled teen who blinds six horses at the stable where he works. "But he is not that well served by the production."