First published: 05 Jan 2009

David Tennant returned to the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Hamlet at the Novello theatre on Saturday night.

The actor was forced to surrender the title role to understudy Edward Bennett during previews for the sold-out run after suffering a prolapsed disc which required surgery.

A statement from the RSC said Tennant had made “good progress” since his back operation and that his return to the production would be assessed on a day by day basis. Ticket holders can check the RSC website from noon each day for an update on that evening’s performance, or call the Novello box office on 0844 482 5135.

Bennett, who has received standing ovations during the four weeks he has stepped up to play one of Shakespeare’s largest roles, returns to his original role of Laertes. Company members Tom Davy, Ricky Champ and Robert Curtis, who also shifted roles due to Tennant’s withdrawal, return to the parts of Guildenstern, Lucianus and Francisco.

Hamlet, which also stars Patrick Stewart as Claudius and Penny Downie as Gertrude, ends its run in London this Saturday, 10 January.

CB