Upstart Crow

ComedyDrama201618 episodes3 seasonsScripted

First aired: 2016-05-09

Synopsis

Comedy about the life and times of William Shakespeare as he starts to make a name for himself in London, whilst also trying to balance life as a husband and father for his family in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Creators

Ben Elton

Casting

  • Gemma Whelan
    Kate
  • David Mitchell
    Will Shakespeare
  • Paula Wilcox
    Mary Arden
  • Mark Heap
    Sir Robert Greene
  • Harry Enfield
    John Shakespeare
  • Dominic Coleman
    Condell
  • Liza Tarbuck
    Anne Hathaway
  • Steve Speirs
    Burbage
  • Tim Downie
    Marlowe
  • Spencer Jones
    Kempe
Upstart Crow Series 1 Poster

Series 1

It's 1592 and Will Shakespeare is at the beginning of his career. His early work is looked down on by the literary establishment, and he's not taken seriously at home. Follow the Bard's fictional early life and the rather surprising stories about where his best ideas came from.

Number of episodes 6

Upstart Crow Series 2 Poster

Series 2

In series two, Shakespeare runs his quill-ink dry with stories of jealous African generals, teenage daughters in desperate need of taming, and a musical play that may (or may not) go by the title of 'Fourth Night'.

Number of episodes 6

Upstart Crow Series 3 Poster

Series 3

With a family in Stratford and his theatre company in London, the Bard is burning the candle at both ends in series three. His teenage daughter Sue is as stroppy as ever, best mate Kit Marlowe is in danger, and neighbour Kate is desperate to be an actress – despite the fact it’s still illegal for women to do anything interesting. Meanwhile, Will has been working on his masterpiece, Hamlet. Pity everyone think it’s a comedy. Love potions are sweeping through Stratford and there’s something a little off about Love’s Labour’s Licked.

Number of episodes 6