Ben Elton's Shakepearean sitcom returns to see talented but low-born baldy-boots Will Shakespeare (David Mitchell) continue his quest to make his name as a playwright in Tudor London, a city where unfortunately being posh and well-connected turns out to be more important than being a genius.

Meanwhile, Will also has a bit of a problem with his work/life balance and it's one hell of a commute back and forth to Stafford-upon-Avon to spend time with his loving but loud family.

This series reveals some of the surprising stories behind Will's plays, including a brush with an African general with a bit of a jealous streak; a shrewish teenage daughter who may or may not need some "taming"; the early draft of Twelfth Night, working title Eighth Night; the little known story of how Shakespeare invented musical theatre with the help of a madrigal-writing rocker (Noel Fielding); the original inspiration for Falstaff; a very merry Shakespearean Christmas featuring Emma Thompson in a regal guest role; and of course a great deal of wit, ale, pies and women dressing as men.

First released: Monday 23rd October 2017