James McAvoy jokes about wife's Benedict bond

James McAvoy has joked Benedict Cumberbatch and his wife should "get off with each other" over their love of rehearsing.

The Scottish actor is as well known for his theatre work as he is for his film roles, beginning his career on the stage before going on to star in hits such as Trance and X-Men: First Class.

He's currently appearing as schizophrenic Jack in Peter Barnes' The Ruling Class at the Trafalgar Studios in London, UK. It's a role he relishes, but unlike fellow thespian Benedict - who too is a regular in the West End - and his actress wife Anne-Marie Duff, James can't find enjoyment in run-throughs.

“I f**king hate rehearsals! But my wife and Benedict [Cumberbatch] go on like you wouldn't believe about rehearsals," he sighed to British newspaper The Telegraph. "I’m like, 'You guys just stay and get off with each other at rehearsals; I’ll back out.'”

Responding to the comment that a rehearsal room allows the freedom for actors to fail, James admits he finds getting his lines wrong bothering. Even the show's director Jamie Lloyd pointed out during the interview that James gets very angry with himself.

In the play Jack has an epiphany, which leads to him being convinced he is Jesus Christ. Changing his energy levels so much is rather exhausting for James.

“Macbeth was more physical than any action movie I’ve done, so I didn’t think I’d have anything to worry about. But this has turned out more physical still. Not violent – well, sometimes it’s violent... It’ll be a massive workout, really," he said.

“It’s the hardest play I’ve ever done."

Luckily he has nothing to worry about, as his performance has already received rave reviews from fans and critics alike.