David Tennant, who withdrew from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) production of Hamlet earlier this month due to a prolapsed disc, is making a good recovery and could rejoin the show in its final week (5-10 January).
While the RSC is refraining from making promises regarding Tennant’s return to the stage due to the nature of his injury, the Dr Who star’s doctors are pleased with the progress he has made since undergoing surgery on his back.
Speaking about the situation, Tennant said: “I am so grateful for all the terrific medical attention I have received and although it is frustrating to have to take it easy whilst all my friends and colleagues continue at the Novello theatre every night, I am aware that 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.
“I am very sorry to disappoint anyone who booked to come and see me in Hamlet, but confident that you will be far from disappointed by Edward Bennett’s performance in the title role. 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.”
Bennett, Tennant’s understudy, will continue to play Hamlet in the Scottish actor’s absence, opposite a cast that also includes Patrick Stewart, Pennie Downie and Oliver Ford Davies.
Theatregoers are advised that should they not wish to see Hamlet without Tennant in the lead role, it may be possible to exchange their tickets for other productions in the RSC season at the Novello theatre, which include The Taming Of The Shrew and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, or offer their tickets for resale at the Box Office. For more information call 0844 800 1114 or email ticketqueries@rsc.org.uk
MA