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...

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.
Gri find out more...

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...

Often considered to be one of Shakespeare's finest ever plays, it picks up where Henry IV, Part 1 left off. Yet another first class BBC production. find out more...

This is the Shakespearean opus containing many a familiar line, "Once more into the breach dear friends..." amongst them, and spoken by an absolutely outstanding cast. A must to watch, even if it's not on your school syllabus! find out more...

Not the Kenneth Branagh version nor Olivier's but one that compares reasonably neverthess - and a more faithful rendering at that! Probably the most useful for the purposes of study. find out more...

One of the BBC's typically exemplary adaptation of one of the great Bard's works performed by pretty much the cream of British theatre. It is the first in the cycle of four plays often referred to as "The Wars of the Roses". find out more...

One of the BBC's typically exemplary adaptation of one of the great Bard's works performed by pretty much the cream of British theatre. It is the third in the cycle of four plays often referred to as "The Wars of the Roses". find out more...