Benedict Cumberbatch Returns To Theater To Play Hamlet In 2015
Some may not know that big screen British actor Benedict Cumberbatch is also trained in theater. As a matter of fact, that is how he made his beginning, and he is planning a return taking on one of the most iconic and difficult roles of all, Hamlet, in a production directed by Lyndsey Turner and produced by Sonia Friedman.
Cumberbatch — as many of the rest of his classically trained fellow actors in England — is lured back to the stage every few years, which is a great thing for the fans that follow all his performances religiously. The actor announced he will have a 12-week run at London’s Barbican Theatre next August.
Even though he is only 37 years old, Benedict Cumberbatch is an extremely accomplished actor who has been rising in popularity on this side of the pond recently. In 2013, he starred in several high profile films including Best Picture Oscar winner 12 Years A Slave, August: Osage Country, Star Trek Into Darkness, The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug, and The Fifth Estate.
In the miniseries Sherlock, Benedict plays the main title character, Sherlock Holmes, opposite Martin Freeman (The Hobbit) as Watson.
Benedict is not only a big and small screen actor, however. He is a true thespian and has also had roles in radio, for which he has expressed continued interest, and has narrated several documentaries for outlets such as the BBC.
His last incursion in theater came in 2011, when Cumberbatch and his pal Jonny Lee Miller took turns starring in Frankenstein at the prestigious National Theatre.
At the beginning of his career, he was a staple in well known venues such as he Regent’s Park Open Air, Almeida Theatre, and Royal Court Theatre starring in dozens of plays at the time. Benedict attended University of Manchester and later attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
For Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock was what propelled his career into international stardom and he hasn’t looked back since. One of the most prolific actors in Britain, he is consistently recognized for his excellent performances and has received a host of awards nominations including the BAFTAs and Emmys among many others.
More recently, the versatile actor was tapped to voice a Jaguar ad, following in the footsteps of fellow Brits Tom Hiddleston, Ben Kingsley, and Mark Strong who debuted their “British Villain” ad during this year’s Super Bowl.
Benedict Cumberbartch — who is Jaguar’s spokesman — lent his voice in the Good To Be Bad commercial and plays a familiar “baddie” not for the first time.
[Image via Featureflash / Shutterstock.com]
