Six Centuries of Verse — Season 1, Episode 5: Shakespeare 1564-1616

Episode synopsis

A chronological look at Shakespeare's dramatic genius, using extracts from eight plays: Romeo and Juliet, Henry V, Twelfth Night, Hamlet, King Lear, Antony and Cleopatra, Cymbeline and The Tempest.

About Six Centuries of Verse

Sir John Gielgud is joined by an outstanding repertory of actors in this pioneering, imaginative series demonstrating the immense variety and emotional impact of English-language poetry, from the fourteenth century to the contemporary era.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Chaucer - Ted Hughes
• E2Old English
• E3Chaucer 1340-1400
• E4Medieval - Elizabethan 1400-1600
• E6Metaphysical and Devotional 1590-1670
• E7Milton 1608-1674
• E8Restoration and Augustan 1660-1745
• E9Romantic Pioneers 1750-1805
• E10Wordsworth 1770-1850
• E11Younger Romantics
• E12Victorians 1837-1901
• E13American Pioneers 1855-1910