David Tennant has opened to mixed reviews in the latest Royal Shakespeare Company production of Hamlet. The Doctor Who star is said to be very good in his role as the eponymous hero of the piece, but is overshadowed by his co-star (former Star Trek The Next Generation lead) Patrick Stewart.
Tennant has been mobbed nightly as he leaves the theatre and now that the show has opened after a number of previews the crowds will certainly grow even bigger.
The fact that such a cult figure has taken the lead in this play and left his Doctor Who role in limbo until 2010's full series (excluding four specials in 2009), may help bring Shakespeare to a new audience, his young fans may well give it a go to see their hero in action as the troubled Dane.
Although the critics have slightly mauled his role, the overall crowd reaction seems very good indeed. It would be safe to say that Mr Tennant may be able to do what other Doctor Whos have not and be able to share the role with a number of others, avoiding typecasting.
