The Stage

Tennant out of Hamlet until after Christmas

Published Wednesday 10 December 2008 at 17:55 by Alistair Smith

David Tennant will not return to his role as Hamlet before Christmas, the Royal Shakespeare Company has confirmed.

The actor, who was absent from last night’s press night performance of the production, has a prolapsed disc in his back and will undergo surgery tomorrow, December 11. Understudy Edward Bennett, who has appeared for the last two performances, will continue in the role of Hamlet.

Tennant said: “It is hugely disappointing for me to have to miss these performances. My back problem has progressed to the point where it is currently impossible for me to carry on without surgery. I want to get back onstage as quickly as possible and I am very grateful to Ed, who has courageously got to grips with the role but in a much shorter time. It’s a fantastic achievement.”

RSC artistic director Michael Boyd added: “We all wish David a speedy recovery and it is an indication of the RSC’s investment in understudies that Ed Bennett can take over Shakespeare’s largest role at such short notice. As an ensemble company, we feel it is important to go ahead with the run at the Novello Theatre and I am proud of the way Ed, the understudies, Patrick Stewart, Penny Downie and the rest of the company have risen to this challenge, getting a great reaction from audiences and critics alike.”

The RSC and Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, which runs the Novello Theatre which is hosting the run of Hamlet, will not be issuing refunds for tickets. According to a statement, this is “because the Company has a fully rehearsed understudy policy and performances will continue as scheduled”. Instead, the RSC will offer exchanges, subject to availability, for other RSC London performances during this season at the Novello Theatre. Patrons are also able to offer tickets for resale subject to the usual terms and conditions. However, resales are not guaranteed.