Theatre News

Thousands queue online for tickets to Benedict Cumberbatch Hamlet

The Barbican’s website has been bombarded by fans of the ”Sherlock” star

Hot ticket: Benedict Cumberbatch will play the Dane from August to October 2015
Hot ticket: Benedict Cumberbatch will play the Dane from August to October 2015
© Dan Wooller
The Barbican's website was bombarded by theatregoers and Sherlock fans this morning eager to snap up tickets to see Benedict Cumberbatch in Hamlet next year.

Tickets went on general sale at 10am, with thousands held in an online queue as servers struggled to cope with demand.

By midday there were almost 30,000 waiting to purchase tickets to the production, which is directed by Lyndsey Turner and runs from 6 August to 31 October 2015.

Those who get through to the booking stage are limited to six tickets per household across the whole run, and photo ID of the 'lead booker' will be required to gain admission into the theatre.

But those who miss out today shouldn't lose heart completely – a number of £10 tickets, available for every performance, will go on sale next year.

Many have taken to Twitter to share their experiences and vent frustrations:

— Simon Mayo (@simonmayo) August 11, 2014

— Doug Cairns (@DougCairns) August 11, 2014

— Elizabeth (@elizmase) August 11, 2014

— Michael W (@MagichaeI) August 11, 2014

If you're happy to pay a booking fee to beat the queue, click here for tickets