1.1563860-3739407834
Actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Anastasia Hille perform in Director Lyndsey Turner's production of Hamlet at the Barbican, in London, August 4, 2015, in this handout picture and released August 8, 2015. REUTERS/Johan Persson/Handout via Reuters ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, CONTENT, LOCATION OR DATE OF THIS IMAGE. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. NO SALES. NO ARCHIVES. THIS PICTURE IS DISTRIBUTED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS NO SALES. NO ARCHIVES. Image Credit: REUTERS

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch has urged fans not to film his stage performance of Shakespeare’s play Hamlet.

The star, who is playing the lead in the play at London’s Barbican theatre, says there is “nothing less supportive or enjoyable” than being on stage and seeing a “big red light” in the audience.

Cumberbatch told fans gathered outside the stage door after Saturday’s show that spotting the filming while he was performing was “mortifying”. He told fans to spread his message through social media, and warned that future offenders could be evicted from the show.

The actor made his debut as Hamlet on Wednesday, receiving mixed reviews from critics.

The play is one of the most popular in recent years and tickets were snapped up within minutes when they were released last year.