Those who see this as an intelligent form of comedy will, no doubt, vote this review down but this is not intelligent humour just because it is masked by 'an Olde English' script and is written about the life of the most lauded playwright of all time.
I have tried to like this sitcom which is based on the life of Shakespeare and his family but rarely find myself laughing with any gusto. Most of the wit in this show comes from the use of English as used in the 16th century coupled with a modern crude terminology or a reference to an incident in today's timeline (such as stagecoaches used in place of current public transport) but it just doesn't give me a feeling of comedy. Instead this gives me the feeling that this is trying so hard to witch the formula and successes of Ben Elton's classic historical comedy, Blackadder.
Harry Enfield's portrayal of Shakespeare's father is the highlight of the show for me which he delivers in a light slapstick style which meets with the simplistic nature of the character. Other members of the cast pass off their roles well for the most but it is the script that lacks rather than any performance. The inclusion of poetry and excerpts from the works of the great bard are a nice touch which people will likely enjoy whether they know the writing or not.
Sorry Ben Elton, this is your least enjoyable sitcom to date for me.
I have tried to like this sitcom which is based on the life of Shakespeare and his family but rarely find myself laughing with any gusto. Most of the wit in this show comes from the use of English as used in the 16th century coupled with a modern crude terminology or a reference to an incident in today's timeline (such as stagecoaches used in place of current public transport) but it just doesn't give me a feeling of comedy. Instead this gives me the feeling that this is trying so hard to witch the formula and successes of Ben Elton's classic historical comedy, Blackadder.
Harry Enfield's portrayal of Shakespeare's father is the highlight of the show for me which he delivers in a light slapstick style which meets with the simplistic nature of the character. Other members of the cast pass off their roles well for the most but it is the script that lacks rather than any performance. The inclusion of poetry and excerpts from the works of the great bard are a nice touch which people will likely enjoy whether they know the writing or not.
Sorry Ben Elton, this is your least enjoyable sitcom to date for me.