Benedict Cumberbatch 'Hamlet' 2015: 'Sherlock' Star Pleads With Fans To Stop Recording Play, 'It's Mortifying' [VIDEO]
Benedict Cumberbatch is going viral for a respectful speech he made to fans offstage from his new Hamlet play.
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Cumberbatch spoke with theater goers before his live performance in Hamlet in London on Friday, where he addressed the rampant use of cell phones and cameras in the audience.
"Can I ask you all a huge favor? Can I first of all say a huge thank you for those of you who are here tonight. I really appreciate it," he started, before urging: "All of this, all of these cameras, all these phones, everyone filming me. Will you put this to good use?"
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He then discussed how the cameras are very distracting while he's performing on stage.
"I can see cameras, I can see red lights, and it may not be any of you that did that but it's blindingly obvious," he said. "It's mortifying and there's nothing that supportive or enjoyable as an actor being on stage and experiencing that."
Cumberbatch noted that if those blinding lights are seen in the audience, he isn't able to give the performance that he is fully capable of.
"I can't give you what I want to give you, which is a live performance that you'll remember, hopefully, in your minds and brains whether it's good, bad or indifferent, rather than on your phones," he said.
Cumberbatch was very calm in his approach, and wound up receiving a round of applause from the theater goers.
The actor is making his debut as the title character in Hamlet at the London Barbican Center.
