Upstart Crow — Series 1
London, 1592: Will Shakespeare’s journey to becoming the world’s most celebrated playwright is just beginning, and it’s far from glamorous. Still finding his voice and struggling for recognition, young Will faces a chilly reception from London's literary elite and feels overlooked even within his own circle. This series plunges into the untold corners of Shakespeare’s early years, revealing the unexpected inspirations – the surprising people and events – that sparked the genius behind his most iconic works. Prepare to discover a fresh perspective on the Bard’s life and witness the genesis of a legend.
He wrestled with the script, a tempest of conflicting demands swirling around him. The demands of an irascible actor, the persistent presence of a bothersome houseguest and their family, and the lukewarm suggestions from his own team all t…
Will’s play vanished. Not in a puff of smoke, but utterly, inexplicably gone. As the whispers began – accusations aimed at his friend Marlowe – a chill settled over Will. The play wasn't just a work of art; it was a dangerous thing, laced w…
He found himself unexpectedly summoned to a gathering of the city’s elite, an invitation that stirred both excitement and apprehension within him. The prospect of such a social event was daunting; he was unsure of the proper attire for a co…
He had finished his final sonnet, and literary immortality seemed within reach. Yet, a question lingered: would the fair youth and the dark lady appreciate his work as he desired? And would Anne, his wife, be pleased that these passionate v…
A sense of foreboding settled upon them as they journeyed onward, and soon they encountered three witches whose pronouncements offered startling glimpses into Will's future. The encounter sparked a profound case of longing for home. ***
Frustration over the scarcity of opportunities for actresses drives Kate to a bold and unconventional course of action. Faced with this imbalance, she is compelled to strike a peculiar bargain with her adversary.
