Shakespeare Business, The

Synopsis: Television documentary. Joan Bakewell visits Stratford-upon-Avon where Shakespeare has become the object of adoration, scholarship and commerce as the heritage industry grows. She visits his supposed birthplace and discusses the evidence for this claim with Francis Carr, Chairman of the Shakespeare Action Committee who sued the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust under the Trade Description Act. Joan Bakewell then visits the King Edward VI Grammar School where Shakespeare may have seen his first play, and Anne Hathaway’s cottage. Councillor Curnock expresses his concern that the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is taking over the town and Director, Dr Levi Fox responds. Donald Sinden, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen and Michael Williams speak about acting with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Includes vox pops with visitors to Stratford and several shots of the town and its souvenirs.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Television
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Transmission details: 18 Sep 1977 at 23:11 (Channel: BBC1)
Duration: 30 mins

Director: Paul Smith (4)
Producer: Robin Drake
Contributor: Donald Sinden; Ian McKellen; Joan Bakewell; Judi Dench; Levi Fox; Michael Williams

Production type: Documentary/Educational/News
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: Royal Shakespeare Company; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); tourism; Stratford-upon-Avon; Heritage industry

SHAKESPEARE