Will Shakespeare - Season 1

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Dead Shepherd

1 - Dead Shepherd

Air Date: June 13, 1978

Queen Elizabeth I rules the country and Christopher Marlowe rules the theatre. From Stratford-upon-Avon, a young man called William Shakespeare arrives in London determined to match Marlowe as poet and playwright.

Alms for Oblivion

2 - Alms for Oblivion

Air Date: June 20, 1978

As England lies ravaged by plague, Shakespeare has usurped Marlowe as playwright of the day.

Of Comfort and Despair

3 - Of Comfort and Despair

Air Date: June 27, 1978

Will Shakespeare produces the greatest play about young love - Romeo and Juliet. But what of his own love? Who is the 'dark lady' he adores and curses in his sonnets?

The Loved Boy

4 - The Loved Boy

Air Date: July 4, 1978

Shakespeare wishes for his son Hamnet to have everything, despite disapproval from the rest of his family.

Rebellion's Masterpiece

5 - Rebellion's Masterpiece

Air Date: July 11, 1978

Shakespeare is drawn into the dangerous political intrigues of Robert Devereux the Second Earl of Essex.

The Living Record

6 - The Living Record

Air Date: July 18, 1978

Queen Elizabeth dies and King James succeeds her to the throne. What does the future hold for Will Shakespeare and for the actors who bring his plays to life?