Shakespeare: Rise of a Genius
Docudrama telling the story of how a glover's son from rural Stratford became arguably the greatest writer that ever lived, using a series of cinematic vignettes combined with contributions from stars and experts including Judi Dench, Brian Cox, Adrian Lester and Helen Mirren. The story begins in 1587, when William Shakespeare leaves his small rural home town to pursue his dream of becoming a playwright in London. He begins as a stagehand and occasional actor. But then he writes a gory revenge play, Titus Andronicus, which does well, followed by a teenage romance that becomes a breakout success - Romeo and Juliet
Sunday, 18 October 1 airing
Monday, 19 October 1 airing
