Bill

Directed by: Richard Bracewell
Story by Laurence Rickard, Ben Willbond
Produced By: Richard Bracewell, Tony Bracewell, Alasdair Flind, Charles Steel
Starring: Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard, Ben Willbond, Helen McCrory, Damian Lewis
Cinematography: Laurie Rose
Edited By: Gary Dollner, David Freeman, Billy Sneddon
Music By: Andrew Hewitt
Production Company: BBC Films, Punk Cinema, Cowboy Films
Release Dates: 18 September 2015 (United Kingdom)
Content: General

Plot: Bill is set during Shakespeare's "lost years"—the crucial period, long a mystery to scholars, covering his rise from obscurity in Stratford-upon-Avon to fame as a playwright in London. According to the official synopsis, the film will tell the "real story" of what happens when "hopeless lute player Bill Shakespeare leaves his family and home to follow his dream. It’s a tale of murderous kings, spies, lost loves, and a plot to blow up Queen Elizabeth I."[4] Writer Rickard further explained that in this "very different" version of his life, the future Bard has already tried "everything from contemporary dance to playing lute in a band. He's never found his calling in life.

End of Spoilers

Review: There have been many suggestions and conjectures as to what took place in Shakespeare's 'lost years'. That pivotal time just prior to him getting recognised as the world renowned bard. Starting from an obscurity in Stratford-upon-Avon to his well deserved fame as a playwright in London. The movie tells the story of a hapless lute player, Bill Shakespeare, who leaves his family and home to follow his musical dream.

It’s a tale of murderous kings, spies, lost loves, and a plot to blow up Queen Elizabeth I. The writer Laurence Rickard explains that, in this "very different" version of his life, the future Bard has already tried "everything from contemporary dance to playing lute in a band. He's never found his calling." He is really searching for that one defining artistic gift that he can share with the world.

What makes this film work so splendidly is the cast from Horrible Histories. This marvellous group of actours, actresses and troubadours have gone from strength to strength in honing their skills. Bring history and homour to life for many generations of young inquiring minds.

M J Flack