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Triumphant Benedict Cumberbatch leaves the theatre with his arm around wife Sophie Hunter following 'electrifying' Hamlet debut

Published: 02:21 EST, 6 August 2015 | Updated: 04:34 EST, 6 August 2015

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His performance in Hamlet has been lauded as 'electrifying' and 'epic' by critics.

And Benedict Cumberbatch was on a high as he left The Barbican theatre in London alongside his wife Sophie Hunter on Wednesday night following his debut performance in Lyndsey Turner's new production of Shakespeare's iconic tragedy.

The 39-year-old actor couldn't hold back his excitement, grinning to himself and placing a loving arm around his partner, with whom he welcomed a baby boy in June.

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On a high: Benedict Cumberbatch looked thrilled as he left The Barbican theatre in London alongside his wife Sophie Hunter on Wednesday night following his debut performance in Hamlet

Leading the way: The 39-year-old actor clutched his wife's hand as they made their way to a waiting car

Benedict was dressed down in navy chinos, a matching cardigan and a light blue shirt as he exited the theatre, only to be greeted by an army of cheering fans.

Visibly thrilled with the positive response from his loyal supporters, Benedict weaved his way over to his waiting car, clutching Sophie's hand protectively.

The new mum, who tied the knot with the A-list actor in a romantic ceremony on Valentine's Day in February, was sporting a sheer leopard print blouse and smart black trousers for the opening night.

Positive reception: The couple, who welcomed a baby boy in June, were all smiles as a crowd of screaming fans greeted them

Chic: Sophie looked beautiful in a sheer leopard print blouse and a pair of smart black trousers

Pleased: The star has received a largely positive response from critics, with The Daily Mail's Jan Moir dubbing his performance as 'electrifying'

Iconic role: Benedict has taken the lead in Lyndsey Turner's new production of Shakespeare's famous tragedy

Benedict Cumberbatch fans queue for hours to get Hamlet tickets

Benedict cuddled up to Sophie in the back of the vehicle, leaning in for a celebratory kiss as they sped off.

The actor's star turn as tragic hero Hamlet has received largely positive reviews from critics so far.

The Daily Mail’s Jan Moir gave the production five stars and said the Oscar-nominee was ‘electrifying’ in his ‘Hamlet in a hoodie’.

Big shoes to fill: He follows in the footsteps of other famous faces like Mel Gibson and David Tennant who have held the role

Popular: Benedict's fans have been queuing outside the theatre for the chance to claim last minute tickets

Blissfully happy: The couple, who wed on Valentine's Day, were basking in Benedict's success

First of many performances: Hamlet will be on at the Barbican theatre until October 31

Back in action: This marks Benedict's first time treading the boards since his performance in National Theatre’s Frankenstein in 2011

Going in for the kill: The Imitation Game Oscar-winner planted a celebratory smooch on his wife's cheek

The Telegraph’s Serena Davies said director Lyndsey Turner and designer Es Devlin have ‘created a lavish, epic Hamlet for the Barbican’s vast stage’.

However, Katie Maltby of The Times was not so impressed. She gave the production two stars, calling it ‘Shakespeare for the kids’ and ‘a waste’.

But her thoughts were not shared by many of the members of the public who took to Twitter to praise the British actor.

Yasmin Kaye wrote: ‘#BenedictCumberbatch was electrifying as #Hamlet #hamlet barbican’, while another tweeted: ‘Thrilled to have been at the First Night of #Hamlet! #BenedictCumberbatch #Barbican. We gave him a #standingovulation.. #GreatFunYouKnow’.

Praised: Theatregoers got their first glimpse of Benedict’s star turn as the tragic hero in Shakespeare’s epic drama Hamlet last night – and his performance drew rave reviews from critics

Taking centre stage: The Daily Mail’s Jan Moir gave the production five stars and said the 39-year-old Sherlock star was ‘electrifying’ in his ‘Hamlet in a hoodie’

Impressive: Moir said Cumberbatch gave a performance that ‘veered from moments of genuinely hilarious comedy to plunge down to the very depths of throat scalding tragedy’

Panned: However, Katie Maltby of The Times was not so impressed. She gave the production two stars, calling it ‘Shakespeare for the kids’ and ‘a waste’

And Andrea Williams added: ‘Benedict’s #Hamlet : electrifying.’

Hamlet is at London's Barbican theatre until October 31. The play has been sold out for nearly a year, but it will be screened live in Vue cinemas nationwide from October 15.

Tickets are on sale now at myvue.com and it will be the world’s first live 4k transmission to multiple cinemas. There will also be two encores at Vue cinemas across the UK on the 22 and 29 October.

This marks Benedict's first time treading the boards since his performance in National Theatre’s Frankenstein in 2011.

He follows in the footsteps of stars like Mel Gibson and David Tennant, who have all taken on Shakespeare's tragic hero in the past.