Episodes
1. King Richard III
10.0
November 2, 1994
25 min
A portrayal of Shakespeare's darkest villain Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and his unquenchable thirst for the throne.
Guest Stars:
Alec McCowen, Antony Sher, Eleanor Bron, Tom Wilkinson, James Grout
2. The Taming of the Shrew
10.0
November 9, 1994
25 min
Shakespeare's witty battle of the sexes is given a fresh airing in puppet animation. The unlikely bonding of a headstrong Kate and domineering Petruchio is only one aspect of a play about change and the magical transformations that theatre can produce.
Guest Stars:
Amanda Root, Nigel Le Vaillant, Malcolm Storry, Manon Edwards, John Warner
3. As You Like It
10.0
November 16, 1994
25 min
This bright and comic tale is famed as the only play written by Shakespeare in which he is known to have appeared himself - playing Adam, the old retainer to the hero Orlando. The sunniest of his comedies, the play tells of a group of courtiers escaping to the Forest of Arden where they meet, philosophise and fall in love.
Guest Stars:
4. Julius Caesar
10.0
November 30, 1994
25 min
A compelling study of personal ambition versus the good of the state.
Guest Stars:
Joss Ackland, Frances Tomelty, David Robb, Hugh Quarshie, Jim Carter
5. The Winter's Tale
10.0
December 7, 1994
25 min
Exquisitely sculptured Russian puppets perform this powerful and enchanting story full of regal and rustic characters. A fit of temper has tragic results for King Leontes. Sixteen years later, the gods and humbler mortals intervene to craft a happy, magical ending.
Guest Stars:
Anton Lesser, Jenny Agutter, Sally Dexter, Michael Kitchen, Adrienne O'Sullivan
6. Othello
10.0
December 14, 1994
25 min
In the last in the series, the playwright's most famous dramatic study of jealousy and its tragic effects are conveyed vividly in a striking drawn animation style. The warmth of the Mediterranean contrasts with the coldness in lago's heart as he turns his noble master, Othello, against the beautiful and innocent Desdemona.
Guest Stars:
