
5.9
The wild story of young William Shakespeare's arrival onto the punk-rock theater scene in 16th century London -- the seductive, violent world where his raw talent faced rioting audiences, religious fanatics and raucous side-shows. It's a contemporary version of Shakespeare's life, played to a modern soundtrack that exposes all his recklessness, lustful temptations and brilliance.
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1Episode 1The Play's the Thing
60 min
It's 1589, a time of religious turmoil in Protestant England when to be Catholic could be a death sentence - Will Shakespeare arrives from a small town to the wild streets of London with little more than a dream and a treacherous letter.
2Episode 2Cowards Die Many Times
60 min
Will is plagued with guilt over the arrest of a rival playwright, and he makes a dangerous confession to the sightly, rebellious Alice. The future of the theatre is jeopardized when another playhouse tempts a popular actor.
3Episode 3The Two Gentlemen
60 min
Will has an epiphany that could bring him success, yet he needs Alice's help. A magnetic fugitive from Will's past comes forth with a dangerous obligation.
4Episode 4Brave New World
60 min
Marlowe introduces Will to the decadent elite of London but things take a macabre turn. Alice is disillusioned and Will must fight for all that he holds dear.
5Episode 5The Marriage of True Minds
60 min
An unexpected arrival from out-of-town sends Will's world spinning. A transcendental experience leads Marlowe to deal with his past. Topcliffe deciphers a code that throws Will into a life and death situation.
6Episode 6Something Wicked This Way Comes
60 min
Tensions rise as Will and Alice continue to collaborate, while Anne attempts to adjust to London life. Love forces Marlowe to confront his darkest fears. Presto is forced to confront true evil.
7Episode 7What Dreams May Come
60 min
With the theatre in jeopardy, Will enlists the help of a beautiful and talented friend. Alice turns to Southwell for comfort and an existential crisis leads Marlowe back to the dubious Edward Kelly.
8Episode 8Your Houses
60 min
Will is shocked to learn of Alice's new passion. Haunted by his inability to write, Marlowe embarks on a self-destructive path. Plague haunts London, and Richard discovers what he believes in.
9Episode 9Play the Devil
60 min
To write his new play, Will must confront Topcliffe. To achieve greatness Richard must tell his father a harsh truth. Alice contemplates a perilous mission.
10Episode 10Once, Bright Angel
60 min
Will and the company are shocked by a terrible discovery; they must risk everything in a life and death struggle for survival.

Laurie Davidson
William Shakespeare

Olivia DeJonge
Alice Burbage

Ewen Bremner
Richard Topcliffe

Mattias Inwood
Richard Burbage

Jamie Campbell Bower
Christopher Marlowe

William Houston
Kemp

Colm Meaney
James Burbage
Geoffrey Freshwater
Barnaby Smith

Jamie Beamish
Augustine Phillips
Cristian Valle
Antonio Swaarvey

Adam Galbraith
Thomas Dalglesh
James Berkery
Jeremy Nightstand
7.1