British Universities Film & Video Council

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I, William Shakespeare

Synopsis
A ‘radiography’ written by John Wilders and John Powell, constructing Shakespeare’s life in his own words and images. "Part documentary, part drama, and part ‘musical’, this Elizabethan spectacular explores the mind of the world’s greatest playmaker who, in the ‘night of his life’ sees played out, in the haunted theatre of his memory, scenes - both real and imagined - from his past." (Radio Times, 17-23 April 1982, p. 71). With Martin Jarvis as Shakespeare. The music is directed by Philip Astle and Paul Williamson and sung by Evelyn Tubb, John Potter and Graham Jeffery. Special sound is supplied by Malcolm Clarke of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. Producer John Powell introduces the programme.
Language
English
Country
Great Britain
Medium
Radio
Recording date
2 May 1982
Transmission details
22 Apr 1982 at 19:30 (Channel: BBC Radio 4)
Duration
210 mins

Credits

Director
John Powell (2)
Producer
John Powell (2)
Writer
John Powell (2); John Wilders
Music
Paul Williamson; Philip Astle
Contributor
Malcolm Clarke
Cast
Crawford LoganJohn Shakespeare
David BrierleyGilbert Shakespeare
David MarchJohn Shakespeare
Douglas BlackwellJames Burbage
Frances JeaterAnne Hathaway
Hugh DicksonJohn Shakespeare
Jill LidstoneWilliam Shakespeare, the boy
John HollisRichard Tarleton
John RyeHenry Wriothesley
Leonard FentonJohn Bretchgirdle
Martin JarvisWilliam Shakespeare
Mary WimbushQueen Elizabeth
Michael WilliamsRichard Burbage
Rosalind AdamsSusanna Shakespeare
Steve HodsonJohn Shakespeare
Timothy BatesonThomas Jenkins

Additional Details

Production type
Television and Radio Drama
Subjects
Drama
Keywords
biographies; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)

Notes

Textual information
A written transcript of the production is held at the Birmingham Central Library as part of their Shakespeare Collection.
Reviews
Production review: Martin Dodsworth, ‘I, William Shakespeare’, Times Literary Supplement, 23 April 1982, p. 460.

Production Company

Name

BBC

Notes
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Archive

Name

British Library Sound Archive

Email
listening@bl.uk
Web
http://www.bl.uk/nsa External site opens in new window
Phone
020 7412 7676
Fax
020 7412 7441
Address
96 Euston Road
London
NW1 2DB

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