Tennant fulfils pianist's dying wish

David Tennant held the skull of a concert pianist in a stage production of Hamlet, fulfilling the dead musician's dying wish.

André Tchaikowsky donated all of his organs to medical research when he died of cancer at the age of 46 in 1982, with the exception of his skull.

The skull was left to the Royal Shakespeare Company for "use in theatrical performance". However, it was only ever held in rehearsal until the Dr Who star agreed to use it.

Tennant held the prop in Act Five during 22 performances of Hamlet at Stratford-upon-Avon, where a gravedigger uncovers the skull of the court jester and Hamlet says: "Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio."

Director Greg Doran told The Daily Telegraph: "It was sort of a little shock tactic. Though, of course, to some extent that wears off and it's just André, in his box."