Former Doctor Who star David Tennant is hosting a live celebration of the work of William Shakespeare 400 years after the playwright’s death.

The actor will be on stage at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday April 23 next year, when the show will be broadcast on BBC2.

Details are being kept under wraps but “major international talent” is promised for what the BBC is billing as “a variety” show.

David Tennant
David Tennant (John Phillips/Invision)

BBC director-general Tony Hall said: “Our ambition is to get more people excited about Shakespeare than ever before – through drama, great performance, documentary; festivals and social media too.

“We’re partnering with talent right across the country and delighted to be working with the RSC. 2016 is going to be the biggest celebration of Shakespeare we’ve ever put on – for everyone.”

Tennant joined the RSC aged 25 and has appeared in the company’s productions of work including As You Like It, Romeo And Juliet and Hamlet.