Tennants Injury

BBC News, The Telegraph and many other media sources are reporting the Royal Shakespeare Company's press release that David Tennant will not be able to return to the role of Hamlet for the play's run at the Novello Theatre in London before Christmas. The Tenth Doctor actor will undergo surgery on Thursday for a back condition.There is no news yet as to whether Tennant's injury will affect his participation in filming for Doctor Who from January. In Hamlet, his understudy Edward Bennett has won favourable reviews.

Actor David Tennant will not be returning to play Hamlet "before Christmas" because of a back injury, the Royal Shakespeare Company says.
The 37-year-old, who is scheduled to have an operation for a slipped disc on Thursday, said his enforced absence was "hugely disappointing".
His understudy Edward Bennett, who received standing ovations on Monday and Tuesday, will continue to stand in.
Tennant's run as Hamlet at the Novello Theatre is due to finish on 10 January.
He played Hamlet 60 times in Stratford-upon-Avon in the summer ahead of the production's London transfer

My back problem has progressed to the point where it is currently impossible for me to carry on without surgery," Tennant said in a statement.
"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."
Artistic Director Michael Boyd said: "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."
The RSC said refunds would not be issued "because the company has a fully rehearsed understudy policy".
"The company is able to offer exchanges, subject to availability, for other RSC London performances during this season at the Novello Theatre," it added in a statement.
'Traditional reading'
Bennett, who normally plays the role of Laertes, received mixed reviews after Tuesday's press night performance


BBC News reports that David Tennant was unable to take part in last night's performance of the current Royal Shakespeare Company production of Hamlet at the Novello Theatre in London, due to what is described as "a long-standing back injury".The play transferred to London last week following a successful run at Stratford-Upon-Avon. Tennant's understudy Edward Bennett took the role for last night's performance.

UPDATE: The Guardian and many other sources are reporting an official RSC press release that Tennant has not been well enough to resume the role for this evening's press night. The performance will once again see Bennett as Hamlet.