David Tennant to make film version of hit Hamlet production

9 APRIL 2009
Dr Who actor David Tennant, whose portrayal of Hamlet proved a major draw when he appeared in a stage production as the tortured Danish prince at Stratford-upon-Avon last year, is to recreate the role on the silver screen.

Having been prevented by a back problem from completing the Royal Shakespeare Company run at the Novello Theatre – which cost him an Laurence Olivier nod as he didn't appear in enough performances to qualify – the 37-year-old is to join the rest of the RSC cast in recording the production for posterity.

Hamlet co-star Oliver Ford Davies, who played Polonius, reveals: "It won't be a full feature film as there isn't time, but it will certainly be more than just the filming of the stage."

In order to be able to able to participate in the theatre work David was given time off by the BBC from his Timelord role, having committed to four specials rather than a complete series.

He later underwent surgery for a prolapsed disc.
(taken from: hello magazine)