The Observer profile: David Tennant

Long before he became the most successful Doctor Who ever, the versatile Scottish actor was picked out for stage stardom. So it should be no surprise that his Hamlet has been praised by audiences and critics alike David Tennant, prince of early evening viewing, destroyer of Daleks, is often described as 'puppyish', and even sometimes as possessing an 'undergraduate' demeanour. In fact, the actor, who was roundly praised last week for his performance as Hamlet at Stratford-upon-Avon, has a manner that's closer to a rakish member of the sixth form, all naughty smirks and school tie askew. And this could well be the thing which suits the 37-year-old for a Shakespearean role in which communicating an adolescent mix of witty arrogance and pained innocence is crucial. Those who have already seen Tennant play the famous young Dane... [read full story]