If music be the food of love, play on...

A highly praised adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' is currently showing in London for a limited season only. The RSC production, starrring acclaimed stage and film actor Richard Wilson, James Fleet, and many of the company's regulars, is directed by Gregory Doran, whose previous successes include the Tennant-filled award-winning 'Hamlet'. The production is showing at the Duke of York's Theatre until February 27th. Tickets can be bought here

My lord, the queen would speak with you...

Patrick Stewart is one of the leading names on the New Year's Hounour List announced today. Stewart is being awarded with a knighthood for his services to drama, joining fellow Shakespearian actors Ian McKellen and Judi Dench in receiving the accolade. During the years, Stewart has been heavily involved in the Royal Shakespeare Company, most recently alongside David Tennant as Claudius in the 2008 production of 'Hamlet', aired last week on the BBC. Stewart, already the recipient of an OBE, said that he was 'very proud' and that theatre has always been his 'great joy'.

David Tennant speaks daggers...

On a similarly Shakespearian theme, David Tennant has reprised his award winning role as Hamlet. The some time Time Lord combined with fellow actor Patrick Stewart to recreate the Royal Shakespeare Company's production, which proved a sellout success in London's West End. The three hour long drama was aired today on BBC2, and can be seen here. 'Hamlet' is Shakespeare's longest play, and is often one of the most popular to perform, given the numerous interpretations that can be applied to it. Other actors to have played the role include Jude Law and Sam Waterston, with John Simm taking it up later this year.

To be or not to be...

It has been announced that John Simm will become the newest actor to take on Shakespeare's Hamlet. Following the huge success of both David Tennant and Jude Law in the role, Simm will take to the stage in September 2010 at the Sheffield Crucible, which reopens in February after a £15.3 million redevelopment. Shakespeare's longest play, the Crucible's artisitc director says of 'Hamlet'; 'It is potentially a very scary role, but it has become one of those roles that every major actor leaps through. It can be a test of your mettle.' Simm, best known for his starring role in 'Life on Mars', as well as several 'Doctor Who' performances, is currently appearing in 'Speaking In Tongues' in London's West End.