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What is the attraction of Hamlet for actors like Benedict Cumberbatch?

Big-name actors rush to play the grumpy Dane, and the star of Sherlock and the Imitation Game - Benedict Cumberbatch - is next, performing a the Barbican Theatre.

David Tennant, Jude Law, Simon Russell Beale and Maxine Peake have played the part recently and Kenneth Branagh and Jonathan Miller have also staged the play to acclaim. What is the attraction of the role? We try to answer using the talents of Simon Russell Beale who has a list of many of those who've played the doubting prince on stage.

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Duration:

6 minutes