British Comedy Guide
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William Shakespeare
The Talented Mr Shakespeare

The Talented Mr Shakespeare

  • Radio comedy drama
  • BBC Radio 4
  • 2025
  • 1 episode

A comedy about a plot to kill William Shakespeare. Also features Mark Gatiss, Arthur Hughes, Harry Kershaw, Renee Lamb, Tom Mothersdale and more.

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William Shakespeare

Key details

Genre
Comedy Drama
Broadcast
2025
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Episodes
1
Stars
Mark Gatiss, Arthur Hughes, Harry Kershaw, Renee Lamb, Tom Mothersdale, Alana Ramsey and Travis Ross
Writer
Wilf Scolding
Director
Wilf Scolding
Producer
David Morley
Company

It is the last day of 1591 and William Shakespeare, a talented but incredibly pompous writer, is thrown out of the pub for being drunk, disorderly and for carving his name in the furniture. He's been ruining everyone's New Year's Eve. He stumbles home alone, pondering why success does not always equate to popularity.

Meanwhile, the less talented but slightly less annoying writer, Christopher Marlowe, discovers that Shakespeare is claiming sole authorship over their collaborations on the Henry VI plays. It's the final straw and he plots with renowned actor Will Kemp to kill Shakespeare.

When Kemp gets cold feet and tells Shakespeare of Marlowe's intentions a counter plot evolves, and they soon team up with Lady Audrey Walsingham, a close personal friend of the Queen, who has her own axe to grind with the unfortunate Marlowe.

Catch-up

Additional details

Also known as
  • Drama On 4: The Talented Mr Shakespeare

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Wednesday 7th May 2025 at 2:15pm on BBC Radio 4
Episode length
45 minutes

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