William Shakespeare would be proud of the Barbican theatre performance in London, bringing Hamlet to life and broadcasting live through Fathom Events. Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch stars as the titular character with an amazing cast under fantastic direction and stage craft.

Hamlet is a son who is forced to avenge his father’s death but rages against the impossibility of his predicament, threatening both his sanity and the security of the state. Considered one of Shakespeare’s more popular plays, director Lyndsey Turner (Posh, Chimerica) lets Cumberbatch own the stage and surround the actor with every resource necessary to shine.

Fathom’s live feed keeps the audience up close and engaged as Cumberbatch is just rivoting. From inside a toy fort or standing on a giant banquet table to deliver soliloquies, the Star Trek Into Darkness excels and never misses a beat. Two notable performances were also Jim Norton as Polonius, digging into his notebook and Ciarán Hinds’ Claudius – great in their roles.

Not to be critical of other amazing performances, adaptations, but this was such an awesome version it should be released on DVD and aired in schools worldwide to educate students on the classic.

Fathom Events, National Theatre Live and BY Experience announced the return of this highly-praised performance for a special one night encore on November 10. The NTL tweeted that 225,000 people viewed the live feed in over 25 countries.

Tickets for “Hamlet” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network.

For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Overall Hamlet receives 5 out of 5 stars and is the best Hamlet performance I’ve ever seen.