Benedict Cumberbatch in ‘Hamlet’ to be broadcast to cinemas

The announcement last year that Benedict Cumberbatch would be starring in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” was a consummation devoutly to be wished for the actor’s legions of female fans -- so much so that the limited London run at the Barbican, which is set to begin in August, sold out in less than a day.

For so-called Cumberbitches who weren’t able to score tickets, “Hamlet” will be screened in cinemas around the world as part of the National Theatre Live series. Organizers said “Hamlet” will be broadcast live to movie theaters on Oct. 15.

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Cumberbatch is to play the melancholy Danish prince in the production directed by Lyndsey Turner. No further casting has been announced. The stage production is set to run for 12 weeks with previews beginning Aug. 5. The official opening night is set for Aug. 25.

National Theatre Live has broadcast numerous stage productions to cinemas around the world, including Cumberbatch’s appearance in the Danny Boyle-directed “Frankenstein,” co-starring Jonny Lee Miller, that ran at the National Theatre.

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Tickets for “Hamlet” screenings are set to go on sale March 16. In the Los Angeles area, National Theatre Live screenings are usually shown on a delayed basis because of the time difference.

Cumberbatch is nominated for an Academy Award this year for his leading role in “The Imitation Game,” in which he plays Alan Turing. He continues to star in the TV series “Sherlock,” which airs in the U.S. on PBS.

Twitter: @DavidNgLAT

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