Member Article

Pianist's skull used as Hamlet prop

A Shakespeare fan’s dying wish has come true after his skull was used as a prop in Hamlet. Actor David Tennant used it on stage during the famous “Alas, poor Yorick” scene, reports The Sun.

Concert pianist Andre Tchaikowsky left his skull to the Royal Shakespeare Company but since his death from cancer in 1982, it had only been used in rehearsals. Doctor Who star David agreed to handle the macabre prop in 22 performances at Stratford-upon-Avon.

David Howells, curator of the RSC archives, said: “You have to go back to the early 19th century for the last time a real human skull was used in a production of Hamlet.”

Dave Ferre, a friend of the Tchaikowsky family, said: “It was Andre’s dream. They will be pleased he has made it on stage.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .