A dramatisation of the life of famed playwright William Shakespeare from 1590 to 1607.
Episode 1. Dead Shepherd
1978-06-13 · 50 min
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.
Episode 2. Alms for Oblivion
1978-06-20 · 50 min
As England lies ravaged by plague, Shakespeare has usurped Marlowe as playwright of the day.
Episode 3. Of Comfort and Despair
1978-06-27 · 50 min
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?
Episode 4. The Loved Boy
1978-07-04 · 50 min
Shakespeare wishes for his son Hamnet to have everything, despite disapproval from the rest of his family.
Episode 5. Rebellion's Masterpiece
1978-07-11 · 50 min
Shakespeare is drawn into the dangerous political intrigues of Robert Devereux the Second Earl of Essex.
Episode 6. The Living Record
1978-07-18 · 50 min
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?