So Saturday night was interesting; the Book God and I having our first grown-up evening out for what seemed like ages, heading off to the bright lights of London to see the RSC’s production of Hamlet. I bought the tickets for this back in the summer, largely because of a strong desire to see David Tennant in the flesh (what can I say, I’m at that difficult age) but also because I love going to the theatre and don’t get enough of a chance to do so despite working on the edge of London’s exciting Theatreland. But of course Mr Tennant (like the Book God) has had a back injury and not been performing. Still, RSC productions are always well-worth seeing, and I was looking forward to the evening.
And I was right, it turned out to be an excellent production, particularly Patrick Stewart as Claudius and Oliver Ford Davies as Polonius. But two events turned a good evening into a great one: (1) spotting Sir Ian Mackellen in the audience (99.9% certain it was him; even the Book God, notorious for not recognising anyone, said “Isn’t that Gandalf?”) and (2) the producer coming on stage at the beginning to announce that David Tennant would be performing after all! And he was even better than I expected….
Then we rushed home to watch a recording of Dr Who Confidential to find out who the new Doctor would be.
I think the choice of Matt Smith is a really interesting one, and having seen him interviewed and his obvious enthusiasm for the role I am now definitely looking forward to the post-Tennant era.
And I promise that’s the last word on Dr Who related matters …… for a while at least.
Bride of the Book God 
8 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 5, 2009 at 5:19 am
Mish
This is a production of Hamlet I would *love* to see. Stewart + Tennant = 5 stars. I’d like to see Mackellen too. Alas, I can’t afford a plane ticket.
January 9, 2009 at 11:03 am
adevotedreader
I’ll have to reserve my judgment about the new doctor- I’ve never seen Matt Smith in anything and is it just me or does he look really odd in his photos?
I guess I’m not over the departure of David Tennant!
January 9, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Susan
There we were, watching the build-up to the announcement to the new Dr, and all I could say was, “huh?” obviously he hasn’t crossed the big pond yet! I’ll reserve judgement until i get to see him in something!
I am so sorry I wasn’t able to meet up with you. Not having the internet at my inlaws really was a handicap in so many ways, this among the most! We will be over again, so one day we will get to meet!
Meantime, I spent my time in Soho and Charing Cross area looking at all the theatres, and I think I passed by the theatre showing Hamlet – which didn’t have Tennant’s name on it, so I was left wondering why I knew I wanted to go see it! I’m so happy you got to see him! though a teeny tiny part of me is weeping that I didn’t get to….and Gandalf himself! *sigh* I loved walking past Leicester Square where the movies premiere.
And I am NOT over the departure of David Tennant, it was hard enough getting over Christopher (sorry I’ve blanked on his last name now!).
Great post, Bride!
January 9, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Susan
PS we were watching BBC at my inlaws on New Year’s Day when it was announced. I still haven’t seen Matt in anything though!
January 10, 2009 at 9:57 am
brideofthebookgod
Susan – yes I’m really sorry we missed each other too, but it sounds like you had a really good time. I was very cheered by the interview with Matt and I think he could take the role in an interesting direction. And I’ve always got the Tennant box sets to fall back on….
January 10, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Carl V.
Please…revel in your Dr. Who geekiness and enjoy!!!
I have only had the pleasure of seeing the RSC once, when they were in NYC performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It was an incredible performance, marvelously staged. That same stage version, with a book end scene, is the stage version that came out on DVD a handful of years ago. Brilliant production.
I’m so thrilled for you that you were able to see Tennant after all. Very cool. Next time I need Gandalf’s autograph though… 😉
January 11, 2009 at 6:43 pm
brideofthebookgod
They are a wonderful theatre company and I’m glad you’ve had the chance to seee them. One of the benefits of working in central London is the sighting of an occasional big name though I’ve never had the courage to actually approach any of them for an autograph!
January 12, 2009 at 1:32 am
Carl V.
I wouldn’t have the courage to do so either, you’re not alone.