 At age 17 , in a bid to show people he was prepared for adult roles , he performed onstage in Peter Shaffer 's play <unk> , which had not been revived since its first run in 1973 , at the Gielgud Theatre . <unk> took on the lead role as Alan <unk> , a stable boy who has an obsession with horses . Advance sales topped £ 1 @.@ 7 million , and the role generated significant pre @-@ opening media interest , as <unk> appeared in a nude scene . <unk> opened on 27 February 2007 and ran until 9 June 2007 . <unk> 's performance received positive reviews as critics were impressed by the nuance and depth of his against @-@ type role . Charles Spencer of The Daily Telegraph wrote that he " displays a dramatic power and an <unk> stage presence that marks a tremendous leap forward . " He added : " I never thought I would find the <unk> ( but perfectly formed ) <unk> a sinister figure , but as Alan <unk> ... there are moments when he seems genuinely scary in his rage and confusion . " The production then transferred to Broadway in September 2008 , with <unk> still in the lead role . <unk> stated he was nervous about repeating the role on Broadway because he considered American audiences more discerning than those in London . <unk> 's performance was nominated for a Drama <unk> Award . 
