Paul Daniels will appear as if by magic in his Shakespeare debut in Oddsocks Productions’ Hamlet – The Comedy! at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, on Tuesday night.

Fresh from his terpsichorean turn on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing, the Middlesbrough musician and entertainer can be seen in the ghostly role of Hamlet’s father in hologram form in Oddsocks’ humorous take on the Shakespeare tragedy.

By swapping magic for tragic in the Derbyshire company’s touring show, Paul adds another change of direction to his performing career.

“One of the best bits about my job is designing and working on special effects for theatre,” says Paul. “When Oddsocks came up with this idea, I jumped at the chance of not only being in Shakespeare – a first for me – but also being a special effect myself. I’m really looking forward to being spooky.”

Oddsocks have a long-established reputation for introducing new audiences to the classics by presenting accessible, family friendly and always amusing versions of Shakespeare’s plays at theatres nationwide. This winter’s Hamlet will be no exception, and all the more so for the presence of Daniels.

“The role of the ghost in Hamlet is a key one and drives the production, so it was important to find a performer with warmth and status,” says Andy Barrow, artistic director of the Buxton troupe.

“Paul is a great choice because his image is of fun, warmth and magic, and we were delighted that he has accepted the challenge.”

Beyond the humour, illusion and technical wizardry, a further enticement to see Hamlet – The Comedy! will be the show’s original rock music, composed by Rob Harris, lead guitarist with Jamiroquai.

Directed by Andy Barrow, the two-hour production uses a multi-media set design by Kee Ramsorrun. Aside from Daniels, the cast comprises Kevin Kemp as a red-nosed Hamlet; company newcomer Bethan Nash as Ophelia; Oddsocks regulars Robert Laughlin as Claudius and Elli Mackenzie as Gertrude and Horatio; and Andy McGillan, Polonius and Laertes.

Tickets for Tuesday’s 7.30pm performance have nearly sold out but remain on sale at £13, concessions £10, children £8, online at oddsocks.co.uk If you miss out on Hamlet in York, further tour dates include Whitby Pavilion on February 11 next year; same starting time, same box office.

• Did you know?

Paul Daniels played Alderman Fitzwarren in Dick Whittington in his pantomime debut at the Grand Opera House, York, in 1995-1996. His co-stars included his wife Debbie McGee, Gladiator Lightning and singer Rebecca Storm.