Came ahead of the release of charity single supported by the Sherlock star

Benedict Cumberbatch on stage as audience were still applauding Hamlet

Benedict Cumberbatch last night condemned the Government's response to the European migrant crisis in an incredible speech to theatre-goers moments after a performance of Hamlet.

As the audience were still applauding, the 39-year-old star stepped forward to criticise the 'slow' response and appealed for the public's help in raising funds for the refugees.

The actor, who has a son with wife Sophie Hunter, also recited lines from a moving poem, urging fans to remember that 'a parent only puts their child on a boat when the sea is safer than the land'.

It came on the eve of the release of charity single Help Is Coming, which will benefit Save The Children. The actor has lent his support to the campaign by introducing the song in a short film.

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Appeal: Benedict Cumberbatch, who has lent his voice to Save The Children's Help Is Coming campaign, left, criticised the government's 'slow' response to the refugee crisis moments after performing in Macbeth, right

Moving: The actor, who has a son, also recited lines from a moving poem, urging fans to remember that 'a parent only puts their child on a boat when the sea is safer than the land'. Above, outside the theatre

Cumberbatch is understood to have urged the audience to fill the collection buckets at the doors of the Barbican Theatre with notes rather than coins, joking that he didn't want them to be too heavy.

One audience member, who did not want to be named, said the tone of the speech was 'celebratory' as the actor praised the people of Europe for showing their support for the refugees.

The star also asked theatre-goers to buy Help Is Coming, which is today available on vinyl and to download. He will reportedly make an appeal during the interval of every performance of Hamlet.

It is unclear whether last night's appeal was filmed as the star has previously asked fans not to film inside the theatre, saying there is 'nothing less supportive'.

Journalist Josh Jackman was among those who took to Twitter after the show to praise the star.

He wrote: 'After Hamlet tonight, Benedict Cumberbatch spoke to the audience, condemning 'our government's slow response' to the refugee crisis.

Reaction: Cumberbatch, 39, is understood to have urged the audience to fill the collection buckets at the doors of the Barbican Theatre with notes rather than coins, joking he didn't want them to be too heavy

'In a stirring speech, Cumberbatch said "a parent only puts their child on a boat when the sea is safer than the land".'

The lines were taken from Home, a poem by British-Somali poet Warsan Shire written from the perspective of a refugee.

Chris Bryant, Labour MP for Rhondda, tweeted that he was 'really proud' of the actor for his 'emotional appeal' after Hamlet.

Speaking out: The Sherlock star has fronted a short video for Save The Children

Meanwhile, David Singleton, editor of Total Politics, said: 'Stirring speech by Cumberbatch after Hamlet this eve. Criticised govt's 'slow' response to refugee crisis & urged audience to donate.'

He added that Culture Secretary John Whittingdale was among the audience at last night's performance and had donated at the theatre doors.

Fiona Dunbar, from London, posted: 'Saw Benedict Cumberbatch #hamlet. Just as superb as I knew he'd be. Yet most moving moment? Appeal at end for donations #refugeecrisis.'

The actor has also lent his voice to the crisis by fronting a short film in aid of Save The Children. The clip, Help Is Coming, ties in with the release of the charity song of the same name.

Directed by Mat Whitecross, the video and sees Cumberbatch introducing the song with lines from Home.

He finishes by saying: 'As people watching this tragedy unfold from the safely of our homes, with our safe children, we want to say that we see you, we hear you and help is coming.'

The 7' single comes with an exclusive and previously unreleased B-side, Anthem. It also features new artwork by Crowded House's bass player Nick Seymour.

Apple, which will make the download available, will donate all proceeds to Save The Children.

Crowded House's Neil Finn and Capitol Records will also donate all of their royalties and proceeds from the track to Save The Children.

Finn said: 'First recorded in 1995, quietly released in 1999, Help Is Coming has had a long journey to find a good home.

'It was always a song about refugees, even if at the time I was thinking about the immigrants setting off on ships from Europe to America, looking for a better life for their families in America.'