1. Dead Shepherd

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. 13 June 1978. 50 min

Queen Elizabeth I rules the country and Christopher Marlowe rules the theatre. From Stratford-upon-Avon, a young man called William Shakespeare arrives in London determined to match Marlowe as poet and playwright.

2. Alms for Oblivion

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. 20 June 1978. 50 min

As England lies ravaged by plague, Shakespeare has usurped Marlowe as playwright of the day.

3. Of Comfort and Despair

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. 27 June 1978. 50 min

Will Shakespeare produces the greatest play about young love - Romeo and Juliet. But what of his own love? Who is the 'dark lady' he adores and curses in his sonnets?

4. The Loved Boy

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. 4 July 1978. 50 min

Shakespeare wishes for his son Hamnet to have everything, despite disapproval from the rest of his family.

5. Rebellion's Masterpiece

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. 11 July 1978. 50 min

Shakespeare is drawn into the dangerous political intrigues of Robert Devereux the Second Earl of Essex.

6. The Living Record

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. 18 July 1978. 50 min

Queen Elizabeth dies and King James succeeds her to the throne. What does the future hold for Will Shakespeare and for the actors who bring his plays to life?