Synopsis
The first in a new six-part series in which Richard Eyre gives his personal view of the story of theatre over the last 100 years. This week, he looks at the enduring popularity of Shakespeare, aided by contributions from leading names in the theatre, including Tom Stoppard, Peter Brook, Judi Dench, Arthur Miller, Ian McKellen, Trevor Nunn, Peter Hall and the late John Gielgud.
Digging for Britain | Shakespeare's First Theatre
Alice visits excavations at Shakespeare's first theatre in London's Shoreditch, where the Bard began his career and Romeo and Juliet was first performed.
Arena | The National Theatre - Learning Zone
Made especially for schools, this version of the BBC Four Arena programme examines the history and purpose of the National Theatre as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Short films on Othello and Hamlet, using both rehearsal and performance footage, consider how the National Theatre takes a contemporary approach to Shakespeare's work.