Lothian boy Dane good as Tennant stars in Hamlet

Published on Wednesday 6 August 2008 10:36

DOCTOR WHO star David Tennant has made his long-awaited appearance as Hamlet in a Royal Shakespeare Company production with the critics declaring him a good, if not great, Dane.

The Bathgate-born actor, 37, appears in the title role in the RSC's production at The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.

While some critics made barbed comments about theatre companies using big names to fill seats, Tennant's performance in the great role was roundly praised, with a few reservations.

The RSC production will stay in Stratford until the middle of November before moving to the Novello Theatre in London

The Guardian calls Tennant the "best Hamlet in years" while the Independent said he "excels as the wry, prankish provocateur".

The Express gave the performance three stars and labelled it "slightly surreal" and Quentin Letts in the Daily Mail says Tennant takes on "one of the English language's most demanding roles – and survives".

Tennant drew more than 10 million viewers to the series finale of Doctor Who last month. He will star in the Christmas special and another three specials next year but is not confirmed for the next full series of the hit show.