From Sherlock to Shakespeare: Benedict Cumberbatch to play Hamlet on London stage

Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch will play Hamlet for 12 weeks in summer of 2015.

16:07 26 March 2014

Benedict Cumberbatch, the star of TV’s Sherlock, is to play Hamlet for 12 weeks in the summer of 2015 at Barbican, it will be confirmed. The play will be produced by Sonia Friedman who described the star as “one of the most gifted actors of his generation.”

She added: "I'm thrilled to be producing Hamlet with Lyndsey and Benedict, and we are all delighted that the magnificent Barbican has agreed to present the show.”

The play, which will be directed by Lyndsey Turner, is Cumberbatch’s first full return to the stage since he starred in Frankenstein at the National Theatre in 2011. The star has also appeared in movies as diverse as Star Trek: Into Darkness, 12 Years A Slave and August: Osage County.

Cumberbatch is following in the footsteps of David Tennant, Rory Kinnear, Michael Sheen, John Simm and Jude Law who have all won raves for their recent performances in the cherished role.

Cumberbatch’s Hamlet role is expected to be officially announced as the Barbican confirms details of its artistic programme for 2014-15.