Benedict Cumberbatch As Hamlet: 'Sherlock' Actor Takes Centre-Stage In New Rehearsal Photos (PICS) | HuffPost

First Look! Benedict Leads 'Hamlet' Rehearsals Ahead Of Stage Return

Rachel McGrath— The Huffington Post UK

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Benedict Cumberbatch fans have been given a sneak peek at the actor’s latest project, a stage production of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’.

The ‘Sherlock’ star is set to take on the title role this summer, and now snaps of the cast hard at work in rehearsals have been revealed.

The play officially opens on 25 August

Benedict has been busy preparing for his stint on stage at the Barbican, which will be his first theatre role in four years.

The whole cast has a huge wealth of experience, both in TV and when it comes to treading the boards, and Siân Brooke, who has previously starred in a series of Royal Shakespeare Company productions, will play Ophelia.

Story continues below the gallery…

Benedict Cumberbatch's 'Hamlet' Rehearsals

Benedict Cumberbatch leads 'Hamlet' rehearsals(01 of09)

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Benedict Cumberbatch leads 'Hamlet' rehearsals(02 of09)

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Benedict Cumberbatch leads 'Hamlet' rehearsals(03 of09)

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Benedict Cumberbatch leads 'Hamlet' rehearsals(04 of09)

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Benedict Cumberbatch leads 'Hamlet' rehearsals(05 of09)

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Benedict Cumberbatch leads 'Hamlet' rehearsals(06 of09)

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Benedict Cumberbatch leads 'Hamlet' rehearsals(07 of09)

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Benedict Cumberbatch leads 'Hamlet' rehearsals(08 of09)

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Benedict Cumberbatch leads 'Hamlet' rehearsals(09 of09)

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The role of Claudius is being tackled by ‘Game Of Thrones’ actor Ciarán Hinds, while Gertrude will be played by Anastasia Hille.

Prior to joining the ‘Hamlet’ cast, the Oscar-nominated actor was busy filming another Shakespeare project, playing Richard III for the BBC2 series ‘The Hollow Crown’.

Benedict has also been filming for the Victorian-themed Christmas episode of ‘Sherlock’.

The actor is the latest in a long line of stars who've played the tragic hero

Tickets for the Barbican’s production of ‘Hamlet’ sold out in record time back in 2014, but eager fans can still can their hands on tickets, by buying them in person at the theatre, on the day.

The play will also be screened in cinemas up and down the country on Thursday 15 October, as part of National Theatre Live.

See full details on the cast, and how to nab tickets here.

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hot Moments Of 2014

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(01 of62)

Nerds are hot. (credit:Getty)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(02 of62)

His love of penguins is obviously really cute. (credit:Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(03 of62)

Dance off with Michael Fassbender. Benny wins. (credit:Invision for Fox Broadcasting Company)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(04 of62)

Bro down. (credit:ROBYN BECK via Getty Images)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(05 of62)

That. Suit. (credit:Dan Steinberg/Invision/AP)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(06 of62)

It's like he was born wearing a suit. (credit:Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(07 of62)

Learning is hot. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(08 of62)

Who couldn't fall for that face? (credit:Getty)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(09 of62)

Preppy sexy. (credit:T magazine)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(10 of62)

So adorable. (credit:Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(11 of62)

Wouldn't Benedict and Lupita make such a gorgeous couple? (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(12 of62)

He's even hotter than a dragon. (credit:Handout via Getty Images)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(13 of62)

That. Face. (credit:Getty)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(14 of62)

He loves his fans! (credit:Eric Charbonneau/Invision/AP)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(15 of62)

Making velvet jackets trendy again. (credit:Invision for InStyle)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(16 of62)

His hottest magazine cover ever. (credit:GQ)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(17 of62)

Now this is what men should wear more often. (credit:Getty)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(18 of62)

What a joker. (credit:Getty)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(19 of62)

Hats off to you, dear Benedict! (credit:Esquire Malaysia)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(20 of62)

He can work a tan like no Englishman can. (credit:Getty)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(21 of62)

We want to cuddle up inside his warm coat. (credit:High Life)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(22 of62)

Sorry Prince William, but Benedict is cuter than you. (credit:Getty)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(23 of62)

He loves his mom. Enough said. (credit:Getty)

Benedict Cumberbatch's Hottest Moments Of 2014 (So Far)(24 of62)

He should never not wear a suit. (credit:Getty)

NEXT: The Many Odd Faces Of Benedict Cumberbatch(25 of62)

Trying To Look Happy Face(26 of62)

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Genuinely Happy Face(27 of62)

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Drunk Face(28 of62)

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WHAT IS THIS Face(29 of62)

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Smaug Face(30 of62)

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Evil Face(31 of62)

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Annoyed Face(32 of62)

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Perturbed Face(33 of62)

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Chagrined Face(34 of62)

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OMG Face(35 of62)

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Nervous Face(36 of62)

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Pissed Off Face(37 of62)

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Afraid Face(38 of62)

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Jolly Face(39 of62)

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Hoity Toity Face(40 of62)

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"This Is Me Teaching You" Face(41 of62)

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In A Good Mood Face(42 of62)

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Embarrassed Face(43 of62)

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Get Outta My Way Face(44 of62)

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Smug Face(45 of62)

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In Da Club Face(46 of62)

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Just Told A Good Joke Face(47 of62)

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First Red Carpet Face(48 of62)

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Stayed Up All Night Face(49 of62)

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Wants To Go To Bed Face(50 of62)

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"If You REALLY Have To Take My Photo" Face(51 of62)

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About To Punch You Face(52 of62)

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Bothered Face(53 of62)

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Not Sure What's Going On Face(54 of62)

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I'm Gonna Get You Face(55 of62)

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Why Am I Here Face(56 of62)

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I Can't Believe I'm Wearing This Face(57 of62)

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My Haircut Was A Mistake Face(58 of62)

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Getting My Drink On Face(59 of62)

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Who Are You Face(60 of62)

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Pleased Face(61 of62)

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Smile With Your Eyes Face(62 of62)

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