Although nowadays most famous as Dr Who, Tennant started out as a stage actor, working with the RSC on a number of occasions - albeit mainly in comic rolesPhotograph: Ellie Kurttz/RSCWth Penny Downie's GertrudePhotograph: Ellie Kurttz/RSCDesigned by Robert Jones, the staging will be a mixture of modern-dress and older styles; following in the footsteps of Sam West in Steven Pimlott's 2001 production, it's one of the rare times that Hamlet has worn a parka at the RSCPhotograph: Ellie Kurttz/RSC
Gertrude and Hamlet argue close by the all-important royal bed Photograph: Ellie Kurttz/RSCTennant is not the only big-name Hamlet in the offing: Jude Law is to play the Dane in the West End next MayPhotograph: Ellie Kurttz/RSCAlongside Mariah Gale's Ophelia for the one-off performance of The Mousetrap - Hamlet's device to catch the conscience of Patrick Stewart's ClaudiusPhotograph: Ellie Kurttz/RSCThe scene just moments later, as Claudius prays desperately for his soul. Yet Hamlet still can't quite make up his mind ...Photograph: Ellie Kurttz/RSC
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