This series tries to cram in Shakespeare's entire life and art, and so thus comes across as over-wrought, rushed and a bit flashy. It is made with passion, and I love the actors and experts helping narrate the story. The re-enactments try hard, but again are too rushed and earnest. The music is too intrusive, as if it wants to ratchet up the tension. I understood what the story were saying, and I did learn quite a bit. But I feel the script could have done with more work. The lighting is dank and drab - yes I know it was a plague era, but I can't believe Queen Elizabeth's court would be so poorly lit. Still, you realise how terrified Shakespeare and his actors must have been to perform for the Queen, in an era where she could have sent them for punishment for their subversive and semi-political, if historical, plays.
Review of Shakespeare, Rise of a Genius
