David Tennant Will Play Hamlet for BBC Two

The Royal Shakespeare Company production of Hamlet is set to premiere on BBC Two starring Dr. Who's David Tennant in the title role. Directed by RSC Chief Associate Director Gregory Doran, the televised production will air later this year.

The production, which also starred Patrick Stewart as Claudius, recently finished a run at the West End's Novello Theatre. Also featured will be David Ajala as Reynaldo, Sam Alexander as Rosencrantz, Edward Bennett as Laertes, Ricky Champ as Lucianus, Ewen Cummins as Barnardo, Robert Curtis as Fortinbras, Tom Davey as Guildenstern, Peter De Jersey as Horatio, Penny Downie as Gertrude, Samuel Dutton as Dumbshow King, Oliver Ford Davies as Polonius, Ryan Gage as Osric, Mariah Gale as Ophelia, Mark Hadfield as Gravedigger, Andrea Harris as Cornelia, Jim Hooper as Priest, Keith Osborn as Marcellus, Roderick Smith as Voltemand, Riann Steele as Lady in Waiting, Zoe Thorne as Lading in Waiting and John Woodvine as Player King.

Produced by Illuminations, the film will be shot on location beginning in June. On airing the production, Doran has said "The Hamlet cast and the RSC are all really delighted that we now have the chance to share this show with audiences around the world." Hamlet will air in the US and Japan in 2010, following its premiere on BBC Two.