Queen Elizabeth I rules the country and Christopher Marlowe rules the theatre. From Stratford-upon-Avon, a young man called William Shakespeare arrives in London determined to match Marlowe as poet and playwright.
Season 1
6 episodes
As England lies ravaged by plague, Shakespeare has usurped Marlowe as playwright of the day.
Will Shakespeare produces the greatest play about young love - Romeo and Juliet. But what of his own love? Who is the 'dark lady' he adores and curses in his sonnets?
Shakespeare wishes for his son Hamnet to have everything, despite disapproval from the rest of his family.
Shakespeare is drawn into the dangerous political intrigues of Robert Devereux the Second Earl of Essex.
Queen Elizabeth dies and King James succeeds her to the throne. What does the future hold for Will Shakespeare and for the actors who bring his plays to life?
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Episode 1
Dead Shepherd
Queen Elizabeth I rules the country and Christopher Marlowe rules the theatre. From Stratford-upon-Avon, a young man called William Shakespeare arrives in London determined to match Marlowe as poet and playwright.
50 min
Episode 2
Alms for Oblivion
As England lies ravaged by plague, Shakespeare has usurped Marlowe as playwright of the day.
50 min
Episode 3
Of Comfort and Despair
Will Shakespeare produces the greatest play about young love - Romeo and Juliet. But what of his own love? Who is the 'dark lady' he adores and curses in his sonnets?
50 min
Episode 4
The Loved Boy
Shakespeare wishes for his son Hamnet to have everything, despite disapproval from the rest of his family.
50 min
Episode 5
Rebellion's Masterpiece
Shakespeare is drawn into the dangerous political intrigues of Robert Devereux the Second Earl of Essex.
50 min
Episode 6
The Living Record
Queen Elizabeth dies and King James succeeds her to the throne. What does the future hold for Will Shakespeare and for the actors who bring his plays to life?
50 min
About
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- Creators
- John Mortimer
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