Entertainment

Benedict Cumberbatch urges fans not to film stage performance of Hamlet

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch has urged fans not to film his stage performance of Shakespeare's play Hamlet.

Cumberbatch tells fans to spread message through social media, warns offenders could be evicted

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch is asking fans to put their cameras away during his stage performance as Hamlet. (Carlo Allegri/Reuters)

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch has urged fans not to film his stage performance of Shakespeare's play Hamlet.

The star, who is playing the lead in the play at London's Barbican theatre, says there is "nothing less supportive or enjoyable" than being on stage and seeing a "big red light" in the audience.

Cumberbatch told fans gathered outside the stage door after Saturday's show that spotting the filming while he was performing was "mortifying." He told fans to spread his message through social media, and warned that future offenders could be evicted from the show.

The actor made his debut as Hamlet on Wednesday, receiving mixed reviews from critics.

The play is one of the most popular in recent years and tickets were snapped up within minutes when they were released last year.