7) Patrick Watts, Quizmaster – Starter for Ten
Most of these scenes on this list are quite heavy going, as they showcase how deep Cumberbatch can go as an actor. He’s also a gifted comedian, though, as his quip-happy characters in the likes of Sherlock and Doctor Strange can attest to. One of his few outright comedic roles came in 2007’s Starter For Ten – a film which stars a huge number of British actors who later went on to make it big, including James McAvoy, Rebecca Hall, Alice Eve, James Corden and Dominic Cooper.
Cumberbatch possibly steals the show, however, as prissy quiz fan Patrick Watts. Wearing ugly sweaters and with nerdy slicked-back hair, Patrick is s a far cry from the dashing leading man he now usually plays – a character who isn’t half as smart as he thinks he is and treats his quiz team like a dictatorship.
All of Patrick’s scenes are hilarious, but for some good old-fashioned slapstick comedy, it’s hard to beat the moment where Patrick picks a fight with Dominic Cooper’s character at a party. After ineptly slapping his opponent like a seal, Patrick gets walloped in the face for his troubles.