It’s the hottest ticket in London and theatregoers queued overnight to see Benedict Cumberbatch in Hamlet at the Barbican which has its first preview tonight (5 August). The 12-week run sold out a year ago and resale tickets are reportedly being advertised for 20 times their face value on secondary sites.

The Barbican is operating tight security and ticket holders are advised to keep photo ID on them at all times during the three-hour performance. It’s been quite the year for Mr Cumberbatch: marriage, baby, Oscar nomination, CBE appointment and we’re hoping it will be crowned by an unforgettable Hamlet.

It would be fair to say the mood in the queue this morning was tense with scores waiting for the handful of tickets to go on sale today and the prospect of another night waiting if they were unsuccessful.

monstagigz is in the audience Saturday and look out for a review on this site Sunday. If you can’t wait that long, @revstan is there Thursday and her excellent site is definitely worth a look. We’re also there for the Halloween last night shenanigans if Saturday proves unmissable.