SHAKESPEARE

Synopsis

Television drama. Written by John Mortimer, this six-part drama based on the sixteen years that William Shakespeare is known to have spent in London remains one of the most ambitious biographical portraits to date. With each episode built around the writing and performance of a single play, a skilful interweaving of known events and contemporary interpretation shows how key experiences may have inspired some of Shakespeare’s greatest works - the death of his young son, and his love for the famous ‘dark lady’ of the sonnets, for example. The bustling taverns and theatres of Elizabethan London are lavishly recreated and Shakespeare is played by Tim Curry.
Individual parts are: 1) DEAD SHEPHERD - Christopher Marlowe is the leading dramatist for the London stage. Shakespeare arrives from Stratford to challenge his supremacy. 2) ALMS FOR OBLIVION - Shakespeare has succeeded Marlowe as the playwright of the day. 3) OF COMFORT AND DESPAIR - Shakespeare writes Romeo and Juliet and muses about the Dark Lady. 4) THE LOVED BOY - Shakespeare is keen for his son, Hamnet, to have everything. 5) REBELLION’S MASTERPIECE - Shakespeare is tempted into politics by the Earl of Essex. 6) THE LIVING RECORD - King James I succeeds to the throne.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain; United Kingdom

Medium

Television

Technical information

Colour / Sound

Year of release

2009

Transmission details

1978 (Channel: ITV)

Duration

300 minutes

Credits

Producer

Cecil Clarke

Writer

John Mortimer

Music

Richard Hill

Cast

Tim Curry

Will Shakespeare

Additional Details

Production type

Television and Radio Drama

Subjects

Drama; Shakespeare

Keywords

biographies; Marlowe, Christopher; playwrights; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)

Production Company

Name

ATV

Distributor

Name

Network

Email

shop@networkonair.com

Web

http://networkonair.com/ External site opens in new window

Phone

01992 657707

Address

19-20 Blythe Road
Berghem Mews
Hammersmith
London
W14 0HN

Notes

Founded in 1997, Network specialises in distributing niche television programmes, predominantly licensed from Granada Ventures and Fremantle. They have recently branched into feature film distribution. Sale via retail outlets or direct via Network’s website, which has some’web exclusive’ offers.

Name

Retail outlets