The Play's the Thing
Comedy about William Shakespeare. Will's controversial new play is about to be presented to Queen Elizabeth when it goes missing.
David Mitchell stars as William Shakespeare, trying to make his name as a playwright in Tudor London.
In this episode, Will's controversial new play is about to be presented to Queen Elizabeth when it goes missing. As the finger of suspicion points at his best friend Marlowe, can Will come up with a way to recover his stolen masterpiece? And given its politically sensitive content, is he really wise to want it back?
Last on
More episodes
Clips
-
![]()
Looking down on Shakespeare
Duration: 01:44
-
![]()
Shakespeare has trouble working from home
Duration: 01:35
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Writer | Ben Elton |
| Director | Matt Lipsey |
| Producer | Gareth Edwards |
| Will Shakespeare | David Mitchell |
| Anne Hathaway | Liza Tarbuck |
| John Shakespeare | Harry Enfield |
| Mary Arden | Paula Wilcox |
| Susanna | Helen Monks |
| Kate | Gemma Whelan |
| Bottom | Rob Rouse |
| Kit Marlowe | Tim Downie |
| Robert Greene | Mark Heap |
| Burbage | Steve Speirs |
| Condell | Dominic Coleman |
| Kempe | Spencer Jones |
Broadcasts
- Mon 16 May 2016 22:00BBC Two except Northern Ireland
- Mon 16 May 2016 23:35BBC Two Northern Ireland
- Mon 13 Nov 2023 22:00BBC Two except Northern Ireland & Scotland
- Thu 16 Nov 2023 22:00BBC Two Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland HD only
- Mon 18 Aug 2025 22:00BBC Two except Northern Ireland & Scotland
A day in the life of William Shakespeare
His writing, his business dealings, and family life.
Shakespeare Lives 2016
Join a collaborative festival marking 400 years since the death of William Shakespeare.