David Tennant has attended a press launch for the BBC's Shakespeare Festival this morning.
The launch included further details on Shakespeare Live! From The RSC the unique event to be hosted by David Tennant at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Directed by Gregory Doran, RSC Artistic Director, the show will include appearances from Dame Judi Dench, ENO, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Ian Bostridge, Joseph Fiennes and Akala. It promises to be an extravaganza, celebrating Shakespeare's words and his enduring influence on all performance art forms - from opera to jazz, dance to musicals.

Talking at the launch, which was held at BBC Broadcasting House in London, David said that his first personal experience of Shakespeare had been in his school gym. "I thought that Touchstone was the coolest man alive." He also explained more about the event: "These characters in [Shakespeare's] stories are catnip for actors... Shakespeare Live! is a kind of variety bill. We've got some of the greatest classical actors around. Judi Dench will be there, Ian McKellen will be there. Live performance is what Shakespeare is all about."

Shakespeare Live! From The RSC will be broadcast on BBC Two and produced for television by John Wyver, Director, RSC Screen Productions, and BBC producer Catherine Stirk. Shakespeare Live! From The RSC has been commissioned by Jan Younghusband for the BBC and the executive producer will be Phil Dolling, Head of Events. Part of the BBC’s partnership with the RSC.

Thanks to the BBC