David Tennant, the Doctor Who actor, was given a rousing reception and mobbed by fans yesterday at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford, where he is appearing in the RSC production of Shakespeare's Hamlet.
The Timelord struggled to enter the theatre when he first arrived, and had to be admitted by security staff who bade him:
"Come at once, Sire, thine way ist not long blocked!"
Tennant, playing the Prince of Denmark as a true professional, replied in kind, saying:
"I thank thee kindly, lad, forsooth that angry rabble dost incur the greatest wrath in me. Lead on with haste, and take me whither I may dump my bags, for I am an artisan of the highest note."
As the security guard, called Rob, led him away, Tennant called over his shoulder:
"Seldom twixt thither and hither hath mine eyes fallen upon such an assorted bundle of lechers and misfits. Begone, lest I unleash the passion of a clench-ed fist upon thine craven spirits. Tossers!"
Out of earshot of the autograph hunters, he leaned closer to his escorts and asked:
"You didn't see me drop my Sonic Screwdriver, did you?"
