'Hamlet' hit by fake ticket scam

The production of Hamlet starring David Tennant has been targeted by counterfeiters, forcing the Royal Shakespeare Company to reissue some tickets.

Questions were asked when forgeries were presented at the Novello Theatre in London, where the tragedy opens tomorrow.

Most theatregoers who bought their tickets through the RSC are unaffected. However, about 800 people who booked seats through Delfont Mackintosh have been asked to turn up early for an exchange.

RSC executive director Vikki Heywood said: "Our main priority is that genuine RSC ticket-buyers are protected. To this end, Delfont Mackintosh Theatres have issued new secure ticket stock.

"We are confident that this will ensure legitimate RSC audiences get to their rightful seats."

The show's London run, from December 3 to January 10, sold out in under three hours when tickets went on sale in September. It was recently revealed that Tennant, who stars alongside Patrick Stewart, had carried out the dying wish of a concert pianist by using his skull as a prop on stage in the production.