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Colin Blakeley and Jane Lapotaire star as two of the most famous lovers in history in this superb Jonathan Miller directed adaptation of Shakespeare's turbulent script. The 16th Century setting gives a non-traditional feel, but the cast and direction are of the highest BBC standards. find out more...

Set in 19th Century Japan, but shot here with a largely Brit cast, Kenneth Branagh's much criticised adaptation of The Bard's comedy of errors. 'All the world's a stage...' find out more...

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Sir John Falstaff is the hero in this compilation of extracts from Shakespeare's 'Henry IV' and other plays, combined into a story of Falstaff's career as young Prince Hal's drinking companion. The massive knight roisters with and without the prince, philosophises comically, goes to war (in his own fashion), before settling into life in medieval Englande. find out more...

A warrior and not a politician, Coriolanus found the citizens of Rome turning against him. As he sought to wreak his anger on the city, it was left to his mother to prevent a bloody battle. A compelling study of family, loyalty, war and politics, and an acclaimed production well-served by an experienced cast. Being from the BBC stable it can be relied on as a top notch and faithful version of the play. find out more...

Superb adaptation of one of the most difficult plays to stage. Jacobi's performance as the tortured prince is truly outstanding. find out more...

This remains one of the greatest screen versions of the tortured play, though it does look rather over-played by modern standards. The late Olivier gives one of his greatest performances - indeed this is the performance that first ranked him amongst the very greatest of actors. Won Best Picture at 1948 Academy Awards. find out more...

The surface of ceremonies and rituals celebrating the coronation of King Claudius (Mikhail Nazvanov) and his marriage to Hamlet's mother (Elza Radzina) leaves the young prince indifferent. Hamlet's melancholic nature finds no relief from his brooding, not even in his courtship of Ophelia (Anastasiya Vertinskaya). However, a nocturnal visit from his father's ghost changes everything. Claudius treachery having been brought to light, Hamlet conducts a quest to avenge his father's death.
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This powerful production of the Bard's epic focuses on historical pageantry, family conflict and bawdy living, as fun loving Prince Hal struggles to make the transition from heir apparent to responsible prince, though Anthony Quayle's Falstaff steals the show. Another fine BBC production. find out more...