Russell T Davies reveals Doctor Who inspired his Midsummer Night's Dream
WHEN Russell T Davies set out to produce A Midsummer Night's Dream for the BBC there was one person he wanted advice from.
Russell T Davies revealed Doctor Who inspired his take on Midsummer Night's Dream
The producer revealed to Radio Times: "When I embarked on this production, I scrolled down my phone to seek the advice of the greatest expert in Shakespeare I know, David Tennant.
"Sadly, he wasn’t free to appear in this production - but he suggested some brilliant jokes."
He teased viewers about pieces of the show the actor suggested: "When you see the gag with Bernard Cribbins and a hand-pump, that’s copyright DT."
It wasn't just David who helped with his production for the BBC.
Russell said he called on David Tennant for advice on the Shakespeare classic
The producer said he was also inspired by Doctor Who, which he revived in 2005
Russell confessed that his take on the classic, which stars Matt Lucas, Bernard Cribbins, Richard Wilson and Elaine Page, was inspired by Doctor Who.
He explained he wanted to bring some of the magic he injected into the revival of the BBC One drama in 2015 to his version of Shakespeare's iconic play.
The 53-year-old told the publication: "The ghost of Doctor Who was invoked deliberately.
Russell has adapted Midsummer Night's Dream for the BBC
Matt Lucas, Bernard Cribbins, Richard Wilson and Elaine Page star in the show
"When I brought that show back in 2005, I wanted to make it feel brand new, but I also wanted to stir that ancestral memory of something once loved.
"And I think A Midsummer Night’s Dream is the same."
A Midsummer Night's Dream airs on BBC One on May 30 at 8.30pm.
Read the full interview with Russell T Davies in this week's issue of Radio Times, out now.