David Tennant showcases new look for Richard II in Stratford

The 42-year-old actor looked drastically different with long brown locks as he performed in Stratford upon Avon.

Tennant is performing the lead role in the play and will take on 85 shows in total – all of which have already sold out.

And the Broadchurch actor won rave reviews at yesterday's press launch.

Some audience members took to Twitter to give their reviews of the play.

One wrote: "Greg Doran's Richard II @TheRSC is, as expected, exceptional. Lucid and thrilling with Tennant an absolute joy."

The Royal Shakespeare Company performance opened on October 10 at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford and will run until November 16.

It will then move to London's Barbican Theatre from December 9 to January 25.

See also: Peter Rhodes' review

Last month, Tennant was spotted sporting a long brown ponytail, sparking an online debate about his new look.

But the Twitter user @David_Tennant, which provides news on the actor, stepped in to dispel questions over his hair.

"To answer all the queries David Tennant has hair extensions for Richard II (10 Oct to 25 Jan). His hair will be loose (no ponytail) on stage," it said.

Scottish Tennant is perhaps best known as the 10th Doctor Who, taking on the iconic role from 2005 to 2010.

But his earlier work included many Shakespeare productions with the RSC, as well as a much-acclaimed performance in Hamlet in 2008 which was made into a BBC TV film the following year.

The Royal Shakespeare Company performance of Richard II will be shown at selected cinemas around the world on November 13.

Showcase Cinema in Bentley Mill Way, Walsall, is among those taking part.