BBC Marks 400 Years of Shakespeare’s First Folio with Star-Studded Season
November is a huge month for literature buffs. It marks 400 years since the publication of the ‘First Folio’ – the greatest collection of William Shakespeare’s plays. Released seven years after his death, the Folio preserved many of Shakespeare’s masterpieces for generations to come.
Epic BBC Lineup Celebrates The Bard’s Timeless Genius
To honour this monumental anniversary, the BBC has rolled out a blockbuster season across TV, iPlayer, BBC Sounds, and radio. Expect new documentaries, gripping performances, stirring music, drama, comedy, news stories, and classic clips from the BBC archive.
A standout is the three-part series ‘Shakespeare: Rise of a Genius’ on BBC Two and iPlayer. Featuring legends like Dame Judi Dench, Dame Helen Mirren, Brian Cox, Adrian Lester, Martin Freeman, and Jessie Buckley, the show dives deep into Shakespeare’s life and work. Literary heavyweights James Shapiro and Jeanette Winterson join the cast, with Juliet Stevenson narrating.
Archive Gems & Fresh Takes Stir Shakespeare Fever on BBC Four
BBC Four is serving up a feast of archive performances this October with special intros from stars including David Tennant, Sir Ian McKellen, Helen Mirren, and Russell T Davies. Plus, catch a brand-new production of Hamlet starring rising talent Billy Howle.
‘Shakespeare’s Sonnets: A Modern Story’ brings fresh, boundary-pushing performances by actors Rose Ayling Ellis, Eben Figueiredo, Eloka Ivo, and Ioanna Kimbook.
Shakespeare Everywhere: From EastEnders to Radio Hits
- Flagship BBC shows like Bargain Hunt, EastEnders, and The One Show are getting a Shakespeare twist.
- BBC Radio 4 rolls out First Folio, a new comedy drama about Shakespeare’s play-making journey, plus Dame Judi Dench guests on “This Cultural Life”.
- Greg Jenner hosts a special episode of the hit podcast You’re Dead to Me all about The Bard.
- BBC Radio 3 dedicates a full day to Shakespeare-inspired music and new dramas centred on Hamlet.
- BBC Teach launches a fresh animation of Romeo and Juliet aimed at primary schools.
BBC Arts Bosses Pay Tribute to Shakespeare’s Lasting Power
Suzy Klein, Head of BBC Arts and Classical TV, says Shakespeare’s influence shapes everything — from our speech and memes to films and books. She adds: “This season uncovers the forces behind the genius who became the greatest writer in history.”
Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer, promises “unique programming you won’t find anywhere else.” The season backs the BBC’s mission to keep Shakespeare’s legacy alive and thriving.
A Shakespeare Celebration Not to Miss
As the world salutes 400 years since the First Folio, the BBC’s star-packed season is a must-watch for anyone hooked on literature. With top actors, expert insights, archive classics, and daring new adaptations, this celebration proves Shakespeare’s work remains as relevant and riveting as ever.
