Afternoon:
15°c
Tennant may miss whole Hamlet run
Anna Davis22.12.08
David Tennant could be forced to miss the entire London run of Hamlet because of his back injury, it emerged today.
The Doctor Who star was forced to pull out of the play hours before curtain-up earlier this month after he underwent surgery for a prolapsed disc.
Now fans have been warned he may not make any appearances at the Novello theatre, where Hamlet is scheduled to run until 10 January. A spokesman for the Royal Shakespeare Company said: "David Tennant's doctors are delighted with his progress.
"His recovery is encouraging so far, and we are not ruling out that he might be able to return to Hamlet during the last week of the run, although we cannot be more specific. We can, however, confirm David will not be performing in Hamlet from 26 December to 3 January inclusive."
Tennant, 37, said: "I am grateful for all the terrific medical attention I have received. Although it is frustrating to have to take it easy while all my friends and colleagues continue every night, I must listen to the experts and take my time. I am impatient to be back at work and sincerely hope to make it back some time before the end of the run."
Understudy Edward Bennett, who normally plays Laertes, has taken on the role of Hamlet while Tennant recovers. He has won standing ovations for his performance, but some Doctor Who fans are still upset by Tennant's withdrawal.
"I am sorry to disappoint anyone who booked to see me in Hamlet, but confident that you will be far from disappointed by Edward Bennett's performance," added Tennant.
"He is one of British theatre's most promising talents and an opportunity to see his Hamlet, alongside the brilliant ensemble of actors that I have had the great pleasure of working with all year, is very exciting."
Reader views (4)
Anyone childish enough to complain about David Tennant not able to be in Hamlet, should stop being so selfish!
- Gaye Nial, Logan, Australia
Hoping for a speedy recovery, my Son enjoyed his evening thoroughly -regardless!!!
Actors are human beings too and health is more important as we all know.
- Jackie, surrey
I quite agree with Blue Baby. Maybe this will see the end of people bidding outrageously on ebay purely to see a "Famous person off the tele" when they have little if any interest in the play.
- Peter W7, London
Any Dr Who fans upset at Mr Tennant's withdrawal (and I sincerely wish him a speedy recovery) should return their ticket, sans refund, to the Box Office, where it could be re-sold to people who genuinely wish to see the play, rather than starstruck Whovians, with the re-sale value going to charity.
- Blue Baby, London
