Loading ...Tennant Not To Return To Hamlet Until After Christmas
Guess which play is making headlines AGAIN? Yup, it’s the RSC’s production of Hamlet starring David ‘Timelord’ Tennant. Once again, everyone’s favourite Shakespearean tragedy is splashed all over news websites, theatre blogs and forums.
This time the news is unrelated the the skull of Andre Tchaikowsky, forged tickets, or disgustingly over-priced eBay tickets. Instead it’s about the performers, which makes a welcome change.
David Tennant has been forced to pull out of the show by a bad back and has been temporarily replaced by his understudy, Edward Bennett. Mr Bennett bravely faced the critics and put in a great performance, so first things first. Congratulations Edward Bennett, you deserved that standing ovation.
Tennant probably won’t be returning to the show until after Christmas, he has to have back surgery before he can even think about returning to the stage. With the show scheduled to close on 10 January I’m hoping he’s going private for the operation, otherwise he might not make it to the operating table before next summer.
As concerned as I am about whether or not David Tennant is with BUPA or not, something else is bothering me more. The thing that has really disappointed me about this whole affair is reaction of a minority of ticket-holders to Tennant’s more than capable understudy appearing in his place.
People are making a truly monumental fuss over not being able to see Tennant, they are demanding refunds, walking out during the interval and generally being quite mean. I was under the impression that we were excited about a new production of Hamlet, one of the greatest of Shakespeare’s plays. Instead it seems that a depressing amount of ticket-holders just wanted to see Doctor Who in a crown.
The RSC prides itself on having well rehearsed understudies, Bennett was able to step into Tennant’s role at a moment’s notice and put in a performance that was his own, not just an imitation of Hamlet’s ’star attraction’. True, Bennett’s interpretation of the role was a little more traditional but is that really cause to demand a refund?
“Excuse me, Mr RSC, I don’t like Shakespeare if it’s performed traditionally and certainly not if I’ve never seen any of the cast on telly. I would like a full refund for the tickets several people would have killed a puppy to get their hands on.” - Erugh, I despair, I really do.
David Tennant is only human, he’s hurt, by all accounts pretty badly let’s just hope he gets well soon. The show must go on after all.
I’m proud to say I’m a devoted fan of David’s and have been lucky to see his Hamlet three times already, but the attitude of many disappointed fans has been disgusting. I booked because David was in it, I’m not ashamed to admit that. But it was to see David in Hamlet, to see my favourite actor in a brilliant production. The fact that some of my fellow fans left the show or have demanded money back (when knowing full well the RSC understidy policy before booking) really annoys me. I have tickets again in January, I will be going, David or not. To behave in this way does a disservice to the whole production and cast (most of whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and are just lovely), and David himself. These so called fans should be ashamed.
Very well said Ms. Fennell. I’m really happy to hear of a Tennant fan who is not throwing a hissy fit.
Should you have a couple of spare tickets, I can think of a certain blogger who would really appreciate them
x
Me too!!!
Oh there are a few of us about, don’t worry. Our opinions never seem to be represented though… the press never seem to want to interview us, strange isn’t it?
I don’t have any spare tickets I am afraid, but there are tickets now available (those returned by certain “fans”…) on the Delfont Mackintosh website, so you shouldn’t have a problem getting your hands on some. I’m still holding out for final night tickets for both Hamlet and Dream