Benedict Cumberbatch urges fans to switch off cameras and phones

Following his performance last night Benedict Cumberbatch greeted fans at stage door by enlisting them to spread a message: 'Please turn off your phones and cameras'.

After the show, which had to be stopped twice due to technical issues, he stopped to talk to fans, saying:

"Photographs outside are fine [but] I can see cameras, I can see red lights in the auditorium. When we started again tonight at 'To Be or Not To Be', not the easiest place to start again, I could see a red light about the third row on the right. It's mortifying, there's nothing less supportive or enjoyable as an actor on stage to experience that, and I can't give you what I want to give you which is a live performance that you will remember hopefully in your minds and brains whether it's good, bad or indifferent, rather than on your phones, so please don't."

Referring to measures the Barbican is taking to stamp out camera usage, Cumberbatch continued:

"It will get strict from now on, they've got devices coming in on Monday that will have people detected and evicted. I don't want that to happen, that's a horrible way to have to police what's a wonderful thing."

He finished by saying:

"So listen, this isn't me blaming you, it's just me asking you to just ripple it out there, in the brilliant and beautiful way that you do, with your funny electronic things while I sit there with my pipe and book. I really appreciate it, so god bless you and thank you very much."

Hamlet is currently in previews at the Barbican before opening officially on 25 August and running until 31 October. For further coverage on the production including recently released production photos, click here.