David Tennant (The Tenth Doctor) also appeared in The Pillowman at the National, circa 2003. This was a FANTASTIC performance and play - as I may have mentioned, it was only when I saw realised that the guy playing Doctor Who was the guy from The Pillowman that I agreed to watch Doctor Who. It’s a really really twisted play, but the writing and performance were incredibly compelling.

Matt Smith (The Eleventh Doctor) was recently on stage with Christian Slater in Swimming With Sharks. As Chrisitan Slater’s Apprentice, Guy, he didn’t really blow me away, but playing the Doctor will be a completely different challenge.

John Barrowman (Captain Jack) has been in theatre since leaving Saturday morning tv. Most notable would be as Cal in The Fix (very awesome CD) and Jack Ross in A Few Good Men with Rob Lowe (ROB LOWE!!!!!!!). He’s also done lots of muscials - Miss Saigon, Anything Goes, Beauty and the Beast. Theatrekat hopes he’ll do lots lots more.

Billie Piper (Rose) was in Treats, where she met now husband Laurence Fox. It was watcheable, but not great.

Catherine Tate recently finished in nder the Blue Sky. Freema Agyeman hasn’t done anything that I know of, but would love to see her on stage.

Burn Gorman (Owen, Torchwood) is currently in Oliver! and Naoko Mori (Toshiko, Torchwood) had a brief stint in Avenue Q. Zoe Wannamaker (Cassandra, the last human) is often on stage, last seen by theatrekat in the great His Girl Friday, at the National.

Jenna Russell (Floor Manager, Bad Wolf) and Daniel Evans (2005 Xmas Special) starred together in the Olivier award winning Sunday in the Park With George, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Jenna was also awesome in Guys and Dolls (and sang the theme tune to Red Dwarf). Daniel also directed Lovely Evening/InThe Blue at Theatre 503.

And finally Noma Dumezweni (Captain Erisa Magambo, Turn Left) from the Young Vic’s production of A Raisin in the Sun.

Theatrekat hopes they all continue to take to the stage and keep it free from alien invasion in the future

Theatrekat was one of the privileged few Londoners who got to see the current Doctor Who, David Tennant, in his final performance as Hamlet at the Novello.

Obviously this isn’t a review that can inspire anyone to go see the show, as it’s closed, so you’d need a TARDIS or alternative means of time travel. But it was a noteworthy production, and a strong performance from a very talented actor and so worthy of a post.

General reviews were that David was a good Hamlet before his back operation, but came back as a truly great Hamlet. He was pretty awesome the night we saw it, other than one or two missed cues or slightly mistimed lines. He brought to the role the same level of enthusiasm, intelligence and physical acting that he uses as the Doctor to bring to life the mental anguish of Hamlet.

The supporting cast (including Patrick Stewart) were also incredibly strong, making the language incredibly easy to follow, and really bringing the play to life. There was a touch of irritating Shakespearean singing to add authenticity - and the hey nonny nonnys, swords and suits of armour did slightly clash with the helicopter, jeans and tshirts. The set was pretty basic, and themed around mirrors/reflection and fit the action well.

Also check out: Doctor Who fans may be interested to note that most of the cast have trod the Boards of the West End, so there’s plenty available.Highlights following in the next post!