
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.

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