Upstart Crow
Upstart Crow is a British satirical sitcom created and written by Ben Elton, which fictionalizes the early career of William Shakespeare as a struggling playwright in late 16th-century London, while balancing his family life in Stratford-upon-Avon.[1][2] The series premiered on BBC Two on 9 May 2016 and ran for three series, each consisting of six episodes, along with two Christmas specials, concluding on 21 December 2020.[3] It explores how historical events, personal relationships, and rivalries—particularly with the critic Robert Greene, who coined the term "upstart crow" to mock Shakespeare—inspired the Bard's iconic works, blending Elizabethan language with modern humor.[2][3] David Mitchell stars as the egotistical yet talented William Shakespeare, supported by an ensemble cast including Gemma Whelan as his clever maid Kate, Rob Rouse as his dim-witted servant Bottom, Liza Tarbuck as his wife Anne Hathaway, and Mark Heap as the pompous Robert Greene; recurring roles feature Harry Enfield as Shakespeare's father John and Paula Wilcox as his mother Mary Arden.[4] Directed primarily by Richard Boden and Matt Lipsey, the show was produced by Gareth Edwards for BBC Studios Comedy Productions.[5] Upstart Crow received positive reception for its witty script and performances, earning a 7.7/10 rating on IMDb from over 4,400 users and a 73% approval score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 22 critic reviews.[2][6] It garnered a BAFTA Television Award nomination for Mitchell as Best Leading Actor in 2017 and a Royal Television Society Craft & Design Award win in 2018 for its lighting.[7]Premise
Synopsis
Upstart Crow is a British sitcom that portrays William Shakespeare as a jobbing playwright navigating the cutthroat theater scene of 1590s London while striving to maintain his family life in Stratford-upon-Avon. The series follows Shakespeare's early career struggles, including plagiarism accusations and rivalries, as he pens his iconic works amid personal and professional chaos.[1] The narrative draws its title and framing from the 1592 insult in the pamphlet Groats-Worth of Wit, traditionally attributed to fellow playwright Robert Greene but recent research suggests was authored by Thomas Nashe, where the newcomer is derided as "an upstart Crow, beautified with our feathers," implying plagiarism from established writers. This historical provocation launches the show's timeline, depicting Shakespeare from his late 20s onward as he rises from obscurity.[8][9] Key dynamics revolve around Shakespeare's relationships with his pragmatic wife Anne Hathaway, feisty daughter Susanna, loyal but dim-witted servant Bottom, and ambitious contemporary Kit Marlowe, whose friendship teeters on rivalry. These interactions highlight the tensions between Shakespeare's artistic aspirations and domestic duties. The series adopts a light-hearted, anachronistic tone, infusing Elizabethan history with contemporary humor and social commentary for comedic effect.[1][10]Themes and style
Upstart Crow employs a satirical style that parodies William Shakespeare's playwriting process, blending historical details with comedic exaggeration to depict his struggles in the Elizabethan theater world. The series frequently incorporates modern slang, fourth-wall breaks, and witty banter reminiscent of Ben Elton's earlier work on Blackadder, allowing it to comment on the absurdities of Elizabethan society while poking fun at the mythologized figure of the Bard.[10][11] Recurring themes revolve around gender roles, illustrating women's constrained opportunities in 16th-century England, such as the prohibition on female performers and limited access to education or professions. Class struggles are highlighted through Shakespeare's navigation of London's stratified social and theatrical hierarchies as a provincial newcomer. Artistic rivalry features prominently, particularly Shakespeare's tense relationships with contemporaries like Christopher Marlowe and the author of the "upstart crow" insult (traditionally Robert Greene, but recently attributed to Thomas Nashe), who mocks him as an "upstart crow." Family dynamics underscore the tension between Shakespeare's professional ambitions and his domestic responsibilities in Stratford-upon-Avon.[1][2][9] The show liberally employs anachronisms, integrating contemporary references like feminism, #MeToo, and Brexit to draw parallels between historical and modern issues, thereby emphasizing ironies in societal progress. These elements serve to humanize Shakespeare and critique enduring cultural norms through humor.[12][13] Episodes follow a self-contained format, with each installment typically centering on the inspiration or development of one of Shakespeare's plays—such as Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet—while weaving in ongoing character interactions for comedic continuity.[1]Production
Development
Ben Elton conceived Upstart Crow in 2014, beginning to write the script that year as a sitcom exploring William Shakespeare's early career in 1592 London, including his family life, professional struggles, and creative inspirations.[14][15] The series drew from Elton's longstanding interest in Shakespeare, whom he viewed as an ideal sitcom protagonist due to the playwright's use of theatrical devices like asides, monologues, and clowning, which aligned with British comedy traditions.[16][17] This approach echoed his prior work in historical comedy, such as co-writing Blackadder, by blending factual elements with satirical humor on class, rivalry, and artistic ambition.[16][18] The title Upstart Crow originates from Robert Greene's 1592 pamphlet Groats-Worth of Wit, a posthumously published work that derisively referred to Shakespeare as an "upstart crow" beautified with others' feathers—a "Tiger's heart wrapped in a Player's hide"—marking the first printed allusion to the playwright as a theatrical upstart challenging university-educated rivals.[19][20] Elton selected this phrase as the series' starting point to frame Shakespeare's rise amid literary feuds and social prejudices.[15] BBC Two commissioned the six-part first series on 7 December 2015, scheduling it for a 2016 premiere as part of the BBC Shakespeare Season to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the playwright's death.[15] Elton served as the sole writer for all three series, which aired from 2016 to 2018, with no significant script overhauls after the initial development phase.[2]Filming and crew
The filming of Upstart Crow was handled as a multi-camera studio sitcom, primarily taking place at The London Studios on Upper Ground in Lambeth, London, where interior scenes were recorded in front of a live audience.[21] This setup allowed for the efficient capture of the show's comedic dialogue and ensemble performances, with episodes typically shot over several days each during production blocks.[22] Directorial duties were led by Matt Lipsey for the first series in 2016, followed by Richard Boden for the second series in 2017 and the third in 2018.[4] Boden's involvement extended across 14 episodes, emphasizing the show's satirical tone through precise timing and visual gags.[5] The production was managed by BBC Studios, with Gareth Edwards serving as producer for all three series, overseeing the logistical coordination between writing sessions and recordings.[4] Executive producers included Myfanwy Moore for the first series and Chris Sussman for the subsequent ones, ensuring alignment with BBC Comedy's commissioning standards.[4] Costume design was handled by Leah Archer across the run, who crafted Elizabethan-era outfits blending historical accuracy with exaggerated comedic elements to highlight character quirks, such as Will Shakespeare's disheveled poet attire.[23]Cast and characters
Main cast
David Mitchell stars as William Shakespeare, the central figure of the series, depicted as an ambitious and witty aspiring playwright striving to achieve literary success in late 16th-century London while grappling with domestic responsibilities toward his family in Stratford-upon-Avon.[24][10] His portrayal emphasizes Shakespeare's clever wordplay and frustrations with societal and professional obstacles, driving much of the sitcom's humor through his interactions with friends and rivals.[11] Liza Tarbuck plays Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare's intelligent and supportive wife, who provides practical wisdom and emotional grounding amid his theatrical pursuits, often challenging the era's restrictive gender expectations through her sharp insights into his work.[24] Her character highlights the domestic side of Shakespeare's life, portraying Anne as a resourceful partner who contributes ideas that subtly influence his plays.[25] Rob Rouse portrays Ned "Bottom", Shakespeare's loyal yet dim-witted servant and comedic sidekick, whose bungled attempts at assistance and naive perspectives serve as a foil to the protagonist's intellect, amplifying the show's satirical take on class and folly.[4][26] Bottom's role in the ensemble underscores the everyday absurdities of household life in Shakespeare's London circle.[27] Tim Downie embodies Christopher "Kit" Marlowe, Shakespeare's arrogant rival playwright and secret agent, whose scheming ambition and flamboyant persona create ongoing tension and rivalry, poking fun at literary egos and espionage tropes of the time.[4] His interactions with Shakespeare inject rivalry-driven conflict into the narrative, highlighting competitive dynamics in the Elizabethan theater world.[28] Gemma Whelan depicts Kate, the quick-witted daughter of Shakespeare's landlady, whose sharp tongue and aspirations to act on stage expose social inequalities, particularly gender barriers in the arts, while adding modern sensibility to the period setting.[24] As a key member of Shakespeare's London household, Kate's outspoken nature fosters dynamic banter that critiques Elizabethan norms through contemporary lenses.[11]Recurring and guest stars
Helen Monks portrays Susanna Shakespeare, the eldest daughter of William Shakespeare, appearing in family-oriented storylines across the series that explore domestic life in Stratford-upon-Avon.[4] Her role highlights the tensions between Shakespeare's theatrical ambitions and family responsibilities, appearing in 19 episodes from 2016 to 2018.[5] Mark Heap plays Robert Greene, a snide and antagonistic rival playwright who famously coins the derogatory term "upstart crow" for Shakespeare in a 1592 pamphlet, serving as a recurring foil throughout all three series. Heap's Greene embodies literary jealousy and class prejudice in the Elizabethan theater scene, with appearances in 19 episodes that underscore the competitive nature of the profession.[5] Other recurring supporting actors include Harry Enfield as John Shakespeare, the protagonist's irascible father, whose 19-episode arc involves financial woes and paternal advice, adding comic depth to family dynamics.[4][2] Paula Wilcox recurs as Mary Arden, Shakespeare's mother, contributing to episodes centered on maternal influence and rural life.[29] In the theater ensemble, Steve Speirs appears as Richard Burbage, the leading actor of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, frequently interacting with Shakespeare on production challenges, while Tim Downie plays the suave Christopher Marlowe as a charismatic competitor.[4] Notable guest stars enhance specific episodes with historical satire; for instance, Lily Cole guest-stars as Ephie Watkins in the 2018 Christmas special "A Crow Christmas Carol," portraying a character tied to festive philanthropy themes.[30] Kenneth Branagh appears as a mysterious stranger in the same special, bringing gravitas to a plot device inspired by Dickensian redemption. These one-off roles often parody figures from Shakespeare's era, enriching the satire on his career without overshadowing the core ensemble.Episodes
Series 1
The first series of Upstart Crow premiered on BBC Two on 9 May 2016, coinciding with commemorations of the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death.[1] Written by Ben Elton, the six-episode run aired weekly on Monday evenings, each episode running approximately 30 minutes. The series introduces the protagonist, a young William Shakespeare, as he relocates from Stratford-upon-Avon to London in the late 16th century to pursue a career as a playwright, navigating the cutthroat theatre world while grappling with family obligations back home.[1] This foundational arc explores his initial inspirations for early works, such as drawing from personal relationships and contemporary events for plays like Romeo and Juliet, alongside emerging rivalries with established figures in the industry, setting a satirical tone that blends historical fiction with modern comedic sensibilities. The episodes are structured around Shakespeare's creative struggles and humorous mishaps in Elizabethan London, emphasizing themes of ambition, plagiarism accusations, and social climbing without delving into later career developments. The season establishes key dynamics, including interactions with supportive allies and antagonists, that underpin the show's ongoing narrative. Episode titles and air dates are as follows:| Episode | Title | Air Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Star Crossed Lovers | 9 May 2016 |
| 2 | The Play's the Thing | 16 May 2016 |
| 3 | The Apparel Proclaims the Man | 23 May 2016 |
| 4 | Love Is Not Love | 30 May 2016 |
| 5 | What Bloody Man Is This? | 6 June 2016 |
| 6 | The Quality of Mercy | 13 June 2016 |
Series 2
The second series of Upstart Crow premiered on BBC Two on 11 September 2017 and consisted of six episodes broadcast weekly on Monday evenings, concluding on 16 October 2017.[33] This season builds on the first by depicting William Shakespeare's advancing career amid intensifying professional rivalries and personal family pressures, including efforts to secure a family coat of arms and reconciliations with his father.[34] The narrative arc highlights Shakespeare's growing reputation through new plays like Titus Andronicus and Henry IV, while escalating tensions with rivals such as Robert Greene and Christopher Marlowe, alongside strains in his home life during visits to Stratford-upon-Avon.[35] Filming for the series took place in early 2017, following the renewal prompted by the first series' solid viewership averaging over 2 million consolidated viewers per episode.[36] Minor expansions to the cast included new recurring guest appearances, with the core ensemble returning intact; notable additions for the season featured guest stars such as Geoffrey Whitehead as Shakespeare's schoolteacher and Noel Fielding in various roles, enhancing the comedic dynamics without altering the main lineup.[37]Episode Summaries
The series' episodes focus on key milestones in Shakespeare's life, blending historical inspirations with satirical takes on his works.- The Green-Eyed Monster (11 September 2017): Shakespeare attempts to bribe the envious Robert Greene to approve the family's application for a coat of arms, highlighting his ambitions for social elevation amid professional jealousy.[38][39]
- I Know Thee Not, Old Man (18 September 2017): Returning to Stratford for writing inspiration, Shakespeare confronts painful memories from a visit by his strict former schoolteacher, straining his relationship with his father John and exploring themes of reconciliation.
- I Did Adore a Twinkling Star (25 September 2017): As Marlowe prepares for a covert mission to Verona, Kate teaches him Italian, leading to budding romantic tension between them, while Bottom warns of potential complications in their circle.[40]
- Food of Love (2 October 2017): Doubting the brutality of his new play Titus Andronicus, Shakespeare considers Kate's suggestion for a more uplifting work, drawing on musical influences from composer Thomas Morley to refine his creative process.[41]
- Beware My Sting! (9 October 2017): Shakespeare's Henry IV faces royal scrutiny because the character Falstaff too closely resembles Queen Elizabeth I, forcing him to navigate court politics and censorship to stage the production.
- Sweet Sorrow (16 October 2017): Preparing to leave London for Stratford, Shakespeare grapples with a deepening rift with his father, fearing permanent estrangement as family obligations clash with his theatrical pursuits.