Shakespeare 400: Your VOD TV Guide
400 years ago today, William Shakespeare died – and the UK is pulling out all the stops to celebrate. The BBC is hosting a string of live-streaming events on the big day exclusively online (and available free to anyone anywhere in the world), the BFI is holding a nationwide set of screenings, including Richard Loncraine’s Richard III on Thursday 28th April, followed by a live Q&A with Ian McKellen, beamed into cinemas across the country. And, of course, there’s the small matter of the BBC’s The Hollow Crown returning in May.
But if you’re in the mood to stream Shakespeare, your options don’t just end there – thanks to the world wide web, you can watch the Bard’s plays any time you like in your living room, not to mention a host of films based on his plays.
What’s happening? When’s it on? And how can you watch it online? From Netflix and BFI Player to the BBC and digital theatre, here’s your VOD TV Guide for Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary. The best part? Today is just the beginning of Shakespeare Lives, a six-month digital festival celebrating the world’s greatest playwright. From the Barbican and the British Library to Shakespeare’s Globe and the Royal Opera House, the Bard party’s only just getting started. Stream on, Macduff.
From The Hollow Crown’s UK air date to Cunk on Shakespeare, a guide to what’s on the way in the BBC’s Shakespeare season.
A host of events streaming live (for free) on a dedicated pop-up channel on Saturday 23rd April, culminating in a special celebration broadcast from the RSC (and showing on BBC Two). From David Tennant’s Richard II to rehearsals of a ballet based on The Winter’s Tale, we’ve got the full schedule.
From McKellen’s Richard III to a collection of silent shorts, a guide to the BFI’s Shakespeare on Film season.
A list of films available to stream on subscription VOD platforms, including Netflix UK, MUBI Amazon Prime Video, NOW and BFI Player+.
There’s nothing like Shakespeare on stage. The good news is you can stream loads of recordings of his work being performed live. Globe Player, the on-demand service from Shakespeare’s Globe, and DigitalTheatre.com have got you covered.
Our reviews looking back at adaptations of Shakespeare on screen, from Kurosawa’s Ran and Polanski’s Macbeth to the Horrible Histories team’s Bill.
Main photo: RSC/Lucy Barriball