JUST back from her honeymoon, Hedda Gabler, the title character of Henrik Ibsen’s 1891 play, becomes bored and trapped in an unsatisfactory relationship.

Adaptor Patrick Marber and director, Ivo van Hove have set the National Theatre’s production in the 21 century, updating the costumes and set accordingly.

Lizzy Watts plays Hedda, one of the greatest roles in theatre, and she does it well.

In contrast to the futility of her marital life with Tesman,(Abhin Galeya), she still fancies old flame Lovborg (Richard Pyros) who is charming.

Unfortunately, her former school friend, Mrs Elvsted (Annabel Bates) has left her husband and is working closely with Lovborg to write a book for which Hedda eventually wreaks revenge.

Hedda dares to take on Adam Best’s menacing Judge Brack who lusts for women before abandoning them. It is he who leads to her downfall.

You might think she shouldn’t be so disgruntled with Tesman. He seems a decent chap, although much under the influence of his aunt (Christine Kavanagh) and she has a nice home and the luxuries of life.

But she is never contented. She’s a beguiling, mischievous, teasing, provocative, immature block of ice.

These qualities come out when she destroys bouquets of flowers, stapling their petals to the walls. It is as though she would like to do the same to people who cross her.

In the final scene, it is Hedda, herself, who metaphorically gets stapled to the wall.

* Hedda Gabler is at the Lowry until Saturday, November 4. Tickets from 0843 208 6005 or on line. Star rating: * * * *