Classic BBC Radio Shakespeare Tragedies: Hamlet / Macbeth / Romeo and Juliet

Three powerful radio productions from the BBC archives starring Ian McKellen, Ronald Pickup, and Paul Scofield and a host of celebrated acting talent . These three legendary plays, performed by some of the best-known theatrical actors of the 20th Century, are the perfect way to commemorate England's greatest dramatist. In Romeo and Juliet, the Montagues and the Capulets are sworn enemies, so when Romeo Montague falls in love with Juliet Capulet, tragedy ensues. This fateful tale of two young star-crossed lovers is one of Shakespeare's most popular dramas. First broadcast in 1970, starring Ian McKellen as Romeo. Hamlet, one of the most powerful, influential, and thrilling tragedies in the English language, is the story of Prince Hamlet and his quest for vengeance, which never fails to enthrall. First broadcast in 1971, starring Ronald Pickup as the Prince of Denmark. Macbeth, the notorious "Scottish Play," is a gripping tale of vaulting ambition, witchcraft, madness, and murder that has kept generations of audiences spellbound. First broadcast in 1966, starring Paul Scofield as Macbeth and Peggy Ashcroft as Lady Macbeth. Recorded at BBC Broadcasting House and featuring the BBC Drama Repertory company, with specially composed music including a score from the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, this is classic radio drama at its finest. Duration: 7 hours 30 mins approx.

William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, and was baptized on April 26, 1564. Shakespeare’s theatrical life seems to have commenced around 1590. We do know that he was part of the Lord Chamberlain’s Company, which was renamed the King’s Company in 1603 when James I succeeded to the throne. The Company acquired interests in two theaters in the Southwark area of London, near the banks of the Thames--the Globe and the Blackfriars. Shakespeare’s poetry was published before his plays, with two poems appearing in 1593 and 1594, dedicated to his patron Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton. Most of Shakespeare’s sonnets were probably written at this time as well. Records of Shakespeare’s plays begin to appear in 1594, and he produced roughly two a year until around 1611. His earliest plays include Henry VI and Titus Andronicus. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merchant of Venice, and Richard II all date from the mid- to late 1590s. Some of his most famous tragedies were written in the early 1600s; these include Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth, and Antony & Cleopatra. His late plays, often known as the Romances, date from 1608 onwards and include The Tempest. Shakespeare died on April 23,1616 and was buried in Holy Trinity Church in Stratford. The first collected edition of his works was published in 1623 and is known as ＂the First Folio.＂