David Tennant's Understudy Steps Up

David Tennant, star of the Royal Shakespeare Company's phenomenally popular production of Hamlet, failed to perform on the show's press night in London.

Tennant was scheduled to appear in the leading role of the Shakespearean tragedy at London's Novello Theatre but was unable to perform due to a bad back. The Doctor Who star was replaced by understudy, Edward Bennett.

Monday's preview performance also went ahead without Tennant. The RSC has said that no refunds will be given for performances that go ahead without the star, leading some theatre-goers to complain.

Not everyone was so quick to dismiss Edward Bennett as a viable Hamlet, the actor, who is a relative unknown, received a standing ovation for his performances on both Monday and Tuesday night.

Bennett usually plays the role of 'Laertes' but was able to step into the lead so quickly thanks to the RSC's considerable investment in understudies. Bennett is no stranger to the RSC, he has played 'Demetrius' in A Midsummer Night's Dream and 'Navarre' in Love's Labour's Lost with the highly respected company.

Director of Hamlet, Gregory Doran, has said that Tennant is "gutted, not only at the thought of disappointing audiences, but also to be unable to perform a role he has worked on and developed throughout 60 performances in Stratford."

Tennant is said to be aiming to return to the production as soon as possible, no definite date for his return has yet been set.

Published by: Jonathan Dudley