In Search of Shakespeare
Series Overview
Complete four part series exploring the life of the world's greatest and most famous writer. Presenter-led, mixing travel, adventure, live action interviews and specially shot documentary and live action sequences with the RSC on the road. A history series - it focuses not on the plays, but on the history and sets the life of the poet in the extraordinary times in which he lived. We are introduced to the dark world of Queen Elizabeth's police state - a time of surveillance, militarism and foreign wars. We are reminded that Shakespeare lived through the Spanish Armada, the Gunpowder Plot, the colonisation of the New World and the beginnings of British power in America. But most importantly Shakespeare also lived through England’s Cultural Revolution: an enforced split with the old medieval English spirit world which was to lead the English people into a brave new Protestant future.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
1 Season • 4 Episodes
60 min per episode
2003 – 2003
Premiered: Sat, Jun 28, 2003
Michael WoodLatest Aired Episode
Season 1, Episode 4: “For All Time”
In the final episode of his historical detective story, Michael Wood uncovers the story of Shakespeare's life in the "New Age" of King James I. We discover Shakespeare's neighborhood in London where he lived with a French Huguenot family - and played a fascinating part in the marriage of their daughter. Wood visits the present Queen's robe makers - Ede and Ravenscroft - and finds evidence for Shakespeare's role in the royal coronation.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Cast & Creators
Explore Star Directory →
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
David Wallace
Michael Wood
Gerry Branigan
Rebecca Dobbs, Krishan Arora, Leo Eaton
Department Leadership Roster
Rebecca Dobbs
Producer
Michael Wood
Writer
David Wallace
Director
Gerry Branigan
Editor
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for In Search of Shakespeare.
Shows Similar to In Search of Shakespeare
Series sharing comparable tone, character dynamics, and narrative themes
10.0
4.2
7.1
4.5
7.0
8.0
6.2
7.5
6.5
6.5
More Series Like In Search of Shakespeare
Shows sharing similar genres, audiences, and storylines.
Frequently Asked Questions About In Search of Shakespeare
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is In Search of Shakespeare about?
Complete four part series exploring the life of the world's greatest and most famous writer. Presenter-led, mixing travel, adventure, live action interviews and specially shot documentary and live action sequences with the RSC on the road. A history series - it focuses not on the plays, but on the history and sets the life of the poet in the extraordinary times in which he lived. We are introduced to the dark world of Queen Elizabeth's police state - a time of surveillance, militarism and foreign wars. We are reminded that Shakespeare lived through the Spanish Armada, the Gunpowder Plot, the colonisation of the New World and the beginnings of British power in America. But most importantly Shakespeare also lived through England’s Cultural Revolution: an enforced split with the old medieval English spirit world which was to lead the English people into a brave new Protestant future.
How many seasons does In Search of Shakespeare have?
In Search of Shakespeare comprises 1 season available to explore.
Who stars in In Search of Shakespeare?
Key cast members in In Search of Shakespeare include Michael Wood, Desmond Barrit, Ray Fearon, Fred Melamed, Julian Glover.
Who created or directed In Search of Shakespeare?
In Search of Shakespeare was developed and directed by David Wallace.