Synopsis
A BBC production of Shakespeare's King Lear, broadcast as part of the Play of the Month drama strand.
Omnibus | Every Inch a King
Omnibus visit Robert Stephens at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford where he received rapturous reviews for his portrayal of King Lear. This Omnibus profile looks back at a stormy career and follows Stephens backstage at Stratford-upon-Avon as he prepares for and performs Shakespeare's tragedy. Stephens was one of the brightest stars of a theatrical generation that included Peter O'Toole and Richard Harris. His work at the Old Vic in the 60s made him a star, and his marriage to Maggie Smith propelled him into the showbusiness limelight. But then there was a falling off: his marriage broke up, and his work suffered. The RSC "rediscovered" Stephens for the role of Falstaff in Henry IV in 1992 and King Lear has put his star back at its zenith. Nigel Williams 's film looks at the strange life of a man whose nightly job is to transform himself into one of Shakespeare's greatest tragic figures.
Book of the Week | William Shakespeare and the Year of Lear
In 1606, Shakespeare was writing for a royal family hungry for new entertainment while the threats of plague, insurrection and rebellion threatened English society.