Steven Berkoff in Shakespeare's Villains at Wolverhampton Arena Theatre

One of Hollywood's greatest bad guys will be in Wolverhampton this week for a rare two-night performance at the Arena Theatre.

Steven Berkoff will present a masterclass in evil on Wednesday and Thursday, February 7 and 8, 2012, when he stars in Shakespeare's Villains.

Berkoff has fashioned a career from being one of the most evil players on stage and screen.

Arena Theatre spokeswoman Jess Veltman said: "Renowned throughout the world as actor, writer and director, Berkoff is known to many for the villains he has played in mainstream films - Octopussy, Beverly Hills Cop, Rambo and The Krays."

Berkoff will look at characters who are inherently evil, whose situation leads them to evil deeds or who are at the mercy of an evil society.

He will use his experience to describe dastardly Shakespearian characters in a way that will challenge and exhilarate.

Contemporary dance is also in store at the Arena, with Retina Dance presenting Layers Of Skin.

Six dancers will perform in a piece of work with original choreography from Filip Van Huffel and music from Joris Vanvinckenroye and Aranis.

Tickets are available from www.arena.wlv.ac.uk