Miniseries
1978 · 6 episodes
A dramatisation of the life of famed playwright William Shakespeare from 1590 to 1607.
Episodes
1. Dead Shepherd
June 13, 1978 · 50m
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.
2. Alms for Oblivion
June 20, 1978 · 50m
As England lies ravaged by plague, Shakespeare has usurped Marlowe as playwright of the day.
3. Of Comfort and Despair
June 27, 1978 · 50m
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?
4. The Loved Boy
July 4, 1978 · 50m
Shakespeare wishes for his son Hamnet to have everything, despite disapproval from the rest of his family.
5. Rebellion's Masterpiece
July 11, 1978 · 50m
Shakespeare is drawn into the dangerous political intrigues of Robert Devereux the Second Earl of Essex.
6. The Living Record
July 18, 1978 · 50m
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?