Benedict Cumberbatch’s mother has described him as “a bloody good Hamlet” following his performance on the official press night.
The Sherlock star’s parents, Timothy Carlton and Wanda Ventham, joined a host of celebrities, including his wife Sophie Hunter, in the audience.
Speaking after his performance at the Barbican theatre in central London, Wanda said they were “extraordinarily proud”.
Commenting on the liveliness of his performance, she added: “He was quite lively growing up, but I thought that was phenomenal.”
Downton Abbey stars Dan Stevens and Allen Leech were also among the celebrity guests. Sherlock writer Mark Gatiss, a close friend of Benedict, said he was also “very proud”.
Mark said Benedict delivered a flawless, energetic performance that embodied the light and dark moments of Shakepeare’s tragedy.
While the first half belongs to the Sherlock star, the second half gives Sian Brooke (Ophelia) and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Laertes) their chance to shine.
Director Lyndsey Turner’s version is contemporary and modern with the cast wearing trainers and Benedict dressed-down in T-shirts.
Given the big-screen feel of some of the scenes it makes sense that from October 15 the play will be broadcast to cinemas around the world.
Benedict will be playing the lead role in the Shakespeare drama until the end of October.
This is a play that may not appeal to hardcore fans of Shakespeare, who want to dissect every nuance and soliloquy.
But it will surely have the Sherlock fans flocking to try to get tickets. All in all, to be or not to be totally won over, that is the question…
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