Pop Culture Advent 2023 — Door 22
David Tennant
2023 really has been quite the bumper year for Tennant fans, and boy did I enjoy it. I was swithering on whether today should be about the Doctor Who 60th (and I could fill several blogs on that), but it would be extremely remiss of me not to mention his body of work during the past 12 months.
From memory, here are just a few of the projects that he’s been in this year (and I’m sure I’ve missed something).
Good — National Theatre Live
Tennant had been in the run of CP Taylor’s play from October 22 — January of this year. But it was in April that it was broadcast to cinemas via NT Live. Tennant plays a German professor, swept alongside the rising tide of Nazism in 30s Germany. It’s probably one of my favourite plays of the year, not least because of Tennant’s performance. It’s an extremely timely play that examines the reasons that would turn an ordinary person towards the far right. Basically, I wanted to call in sick to work the next day with the excuse that I had just seen David Tennant play a Nazi, and no, I was not okay.
Season 2 of Good Omens
Tennant’s double act with Michael Sheen continued with the release in July of season 2 of Good Omens. Lack of time means I’m only part way through it, but I’d better get ma skates on, as the show has just been renewed for season 3.
Ahsoka
He leant his voice to the Star Wars spin off, Ahsoka, playing a droid called Professor Huyang. Despite being unfamiliar with Clone Wars (the nominated predecessor to Ahsoka), I did enjoy it a lot.
CBeebies Bedtime Story
Around the time of his return to Doctor Who, the 14th Doctor also took time out to tell the CBeebies Bedtime Story.
The Simpsons
Annoyingly I can’t find any clips of this (it’s not been broadcast in the UK yet), but Tennant recently turned up on The Simpsons. He plays the father of a character played by Karen Gillan (Amy Pond!) who is to be married to Groundskeeper Wullie.
Macbeth
Rounding off the year, David Tennant can be found playing the lead in ‘The Scottish play’ at Donmar Warehouse. He’s been receiving rave reviews and plays the role until the 10th February. Unsurprisingly tickets are sold out, but information on the release of daily tickets can be found here.
Aannnd if that wasn’t enough, his wife, the wonderful Georgia Tennant, continues to provide little insights into their completely charming homelife. Like the time they visited a new supermarket.
Fair to say that I hope I see David Tennant roaming the aisles of my local Morrisons in future….