Old injury sidelines 'Hamlet' star Tennant

LONDON, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- A recurring back injury forced Scottish actor David Tennant to drop out of Monday's performance of "Hamlet" in London, the BBC said.

The 37-year-old "Doctor Who" star is playing the title role in the Royal Shakespeare Company's sold-out staging of the play at the Novello Theatre. Film, TV and theater actor Patrick Stewart co-stars in the production, which just transferred from Stratford-upon-Avon.

"We're waiting to hear whether he'll be able to perform tonight on press night," an RSC spokeswoman told the British broadcaster.

Edward Bennett, the actor who usually plays Laertes in the production, portrayed Hamlet Monday, the BBC said.