Synopsis
What really happened during Shakespeare's 'Lost Years'? Hopeless lute player Bill Shakespeare leaves his home to follow his dream.
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Cast
- Mathew BayntonWilliam 'Bill' Shakespeare / Lord Burghley / English Messenger / Customs Official
- Simon FarnabyEarl of Croydon / Juan Domingo / Sausage / Dmitri Alexandrovitch / Fur Seller
- Martha Howe-DouglasAnne Hathaway / Molly / Spanish Courtier / Body Collector
- Jim HowickChristopher Marlowe / Gabriel Montoya / Cynical Jester / Palace Doorman / Mysterious Man / Even Grubbier Thief / Party Planner
- Laurence RickardSir Francis Walsingham / Lope Lopez / Stand-Up Jester / Chatty Guard / Slightly Late Courtier / Ian / Hanging Criminal / Chicken Drumstick
- Ben WillbondKing Phillip II of Spain / Earl of Southampton / Grubby Thief / Alexander Dimitrievitch / Head of Guards
- Helen McCroryQueen Elizabeth I
- Damian LewisSir Richard Hawkins
- Justin EdwardsSir Francis Drake
- Rufus JonesSir Walter Raleigh
Recommendations
- 80
The Guardian
This feature is a very funny, if derivative panto-ish romp about the early life of Shakespeare. - 60
Empire
Nothing is taken seriously, and there’s a nice mix of old groaner jokes delivered with a visible wince and genuine, sneakily erudite wit. - 60
The Telegraph
The tone is almost identical to the Horrible Histories television series, albeit very slightly fruitier, with jokes that should play just as well to intelligent children and immature adults. - 50
Los Angeles Times
There are a few chuckles to be found in Bill, but this is decidedly more "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" than "Monty Python and the Holy Grail."
