Miniseries

A dramatisation of the life of famed playwright William Shakespeare from 1590 to 1607.

1. 1. Dead Shepherd

   1978-06-13 · 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. 2. Alms for Oblivion

   1978-06-20 · 50m

   As England lies ravaged by plague, Shakespeare has usurped Marlowe as playwright of the day.

3. 3. Of Comfort and Despair

   1978-06-27 · 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. 4. The Loved Boy

   1978-07-04 · 50m

   Shakespeare wishes for his son Hamnet to have everything, despite disapproval from the rest of his family.

5. 5. Rebellion's Masterpiece

   1978-07-11 · 50m

   Shakespeare is drawn into the dangerous political intrigues of Robert Devereux the Second Earl of Essex.

6. 6. The Living Record

   1978-07-18 · 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?