To Be Or Not To Be(nedict)! Cumberbatch to follow in Jude Law's footsteps to play Hamlet in London's West End



Fans of Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch will have to wait until May before they can find out how to purchase tickets to see their idol play Hamlet on the London stage.

The Barbican Theatre confirmed news broken last week by Mail Online that the celebrated actor , hailed by producer Sonia Friedman as 'one of the most gifted and exciting actors of his generation', will play the tragic Danish prince for 12 weeks beginning in August of 2015.

There has been an unprecedented demand for seats to see Cumberbatch play one of Shakespeare's most famous characters.

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New role: Benedict Cumberbatch will portray Hamlet at the Barbican Theatre from August 2015

Praise: Benedict has been hailed by producer Sonia Friedman as 'one of the most gifted and exciting actors of his generation'

The Barbican, which holds 1,166 seats, want to ensure that they have enough staff and technical infrastructure to deal with what is expected to be a frenzied rush for tickets.

A press statement released on Wednesday said simply that information and ticket details will be announced in May of this year.

Toni Racklin the Barbican's head of theatre said that the production which is being directed by Lyndsey Turner, who had huge success with plays Posh and Chimerica, was 'eagerly anticipated'.

On the blue carpet: Benedict Cumberbatch attended the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on Wednesday Showing his sporty side: The Sherlock star dressed to impress for the occasion Happy to be here: Benedict appeared to be having a great time at the event as he greeted his fans Presenter: Benedict was on hand to host the prestigious awards ceremony, which was attended by several sporting greats, in Malaysia

On the small screen: The actor stars as Sherlock (pictured) in the BBC TV drama series of the same name

Sonia Friedman, who has worked with Cumberbatch and Turner for over a year to bring the production to the point of official confirmation, said in a statement issued by the Barbican : 'I am thrilled to be producing Hamlet with Lyndsey and Benedict and we are delighted that the magnificent Barbican has agreed to present the show.'

Friedman spoke of her delight to be working with Turner again having produced the Almeida Theatre's Chimerica in the West End.

When it came to Cumberbatch, Friedman declared it 'a real privilege to be working with one of the most gifted and exciting actors of his generation'.

Portrayal: Benedict will play the tragic Danish prince for 12 weeks beginning in August of 2015

Actors who have played Hamlet on stage in recent years include Ben Whishaw, Jude Law, Mark Rylance, Simon Russell Beale, David Tennant and John Simm.

The actor previously starred on stage at the National Theatre in Frankenstein, directed by Danny Boyle, in 2011.



The Cumberbatch Hamlet is expected to be one of the theatrical highlights of 2015.

To be or not to be: Jude Law played Hamlet in London's West End in 2009 Stateside: Jude was in New York on Wednesday ahead of an appearance on Good Morning America Looking sharp: The star dressed to impress for the appearance in a grey suit jacket and charcoal-coloured trousers Laugh out loud: The British actor appeared to be having a great time on the talk show as he was seen chuckling away Happy times: The 41-year-old star seemed in a cheeky mood as he poked his tongue out on the programme

Danish prince: David Tennant has previously played Hamlet on TV (pictured) as well as on stage in recent years



