Bard on the Box | The Irresistible Rise of William Shakespeare

John Tusa delves into the history of the bard and those who have helped him on his triumphant progress through history - an intriguing tale of politicians, charlatans, impresarios and empire-builders. This programme surveys Shakespeare's reputation since his death in 1616 with film and play extracts to show different interpretations over the years.

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More episodes from this series

Bard on the Box | Claire Rayner - Writer and Broadcaster

Bard on the Box | Claire Rayner - Writer and Broadcaster

1'36''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved ...

Bard on the Box | Colin Parry - Father of Tim, killed by the IRA Warrington bomb

Bard on the Box | Colin Parry - Father of Tim, killed by the IRA Warrington bomb

1'20''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s be...

Bard on the Box | Damon Hill - Formula One Racing Driver

Bard on the Box | Damon Hill - Formula One Racing Driver

47''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved ...

Bard on the Box | David Bellamy - Environmentalist

Bard on the Box | David Bellamy - Environmentalist

59''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved speec...

Bard on the Box | Eartha Kitt - Singer and Actress

Bard on the Box | Eartha Kitt - Singer and Actress

1'05''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved speech...

Bard on the Box | General Levy - DJ

Bard on the Box | General Levy - DJ

52''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved speeches and sonnets....

Bard on the Box | Germaine Greer - Author and Lecturer

Bard on the Box | Germaine Greer - Author and Lecturer

1'14''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved sp...

Bard on the Box | HRH Prince Charles

Bard on the Box | HRH Prince Charles

2'15''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved speeches and sonnets...

Bard on the Box | Jimmy Knapp - Secretary General of RMT

Bard on the Box | Jimmy Knapp - Secretary General of RMT

1'13''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved ...

Bard on the Box | Mick Appleyard - Redundant Miner

Bard on the Box | Mick Appleyard - Redundant Miner

1'01''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved speech...

Bard on the Box | Prue Leith - Cook and Restaurateur

Bard on the Box | Prue Leith - Cook and Restaurateur

1'43''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved spee...

Bard on the Box | Rory Bremner - Comedian

Bard on the Box | Rory Bremner - Comedian

59''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved speeches and so...

Bard on the Box | Rt Hon Neil Kinnock MP

Bard on the Box | Rt Hon Neil Kinnock MP

1'19''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved speeches and son...

Bard on the Box | Sarah Holland - Romantic Novelist

Bard on the Box | Sarah Holland - Romantic Novelist

1'16''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved speec...

Bard on the Box | Shakespeare Laboratory - The Merchant of Venice

Bard on the Box | Shakespeare Laboratory - The Merchant of Venice

57'47''

In the second of two workshop films, controversial American director Peter Sellars relocates his new produc...

Bard on the Box | Sir Ludovic Kennedy

Bard on the Box | Sir Ludovic Kennedy

1'23''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved speeches and sonnet...

Bard on the Box | Sister Elizabeth Shaw - Religious Sister

Bard on the Box | Sister Elizabeth Shaw - Religious Sister

54''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-love...

Bard on the Box | Stephen Jones - Professor of Genetics

Bard on the Box | Stephen Jones - Professor of Genetics

50''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved s...

Bard on the Box | Susanne Kennedy - Health Visitor

Bard on the Box | Susanne Kennedy - Health Visitor

2'05''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved speech...

Bard on the Box | The Shakespeare Laboratory - Measure for Measure

Bard on the Box | The Shakespeare Laboratory - Measure for Measure

49'33''

In the first of two programmes, top directors from both sides of the Atlantic use the workshop format to e...

Bard on the Box | Tom Paulin - Poet

Bard on the Box | Tom Paulin - Poet

1'28''

Celebrity Shakespeare devotees join members of the public to recite some of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved speeches and sonnets....

Bard on the Box | Will's World - A Curious Knotted Garden

Bard on the Box | Will's World - A Curious Knotted Garden

9'30''

Continuing the Bard on the Box season with five short films giving a brief guide to life in Shakespeare's time. Dav...

Bard on the Box | The Irresistible Rise of William Shakespeare

Bard on the Box | The Irresistible Rise of William Shakespeare

49'38''

John Tusa delves into the history of the bard and those who have helped him on his triumphant progress through...
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