Watch Shakespeare Re-Told

Shakespeare Re-Told is a critically acclaimed series produced by BBC America in 2005 that reimagines four of Shakespeare's classic plays in a modern, contemporary setting. Each episode is approximately 90 minutes long and features a different all-star cast, including Nick Malinowski, Shirley Henderson, James McAvoy, and many others.

The first episode, titled "The Taming of the Shrew," stars Shirley Henderson as Katherine, a fiercely independent businesswoman who is forced to marry the arrogant and chauvinistic Petruchio, played by Rufus Sewell, in order to secure her family's financial future. Nick Malinowski plays Katherine's younger sister, Bianca, who is coveted by many suitors, including the lovestruck Lucentio, played by Stephen Tompkinson.

The second episode, "Macbeth," features James McAvoy as Joe Macbeth, a chef who is pushed to the brink of insanity when his ambitious wife Ella, played by Keeley Hawes, convinces him to murder their boss in order to take over his restaurant. Joe's descent into madness is further enflamed by his addiction to cocaine and his deteriorating relationship with his wife.

In the third episode, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Imelda Staunton and Bill Paterson play Titania and Oberon, the rulers of a magical, mystical world who are at odds with each other over the custody of a mischievous changeling boy. Meanwhile, a group of young lovers, including Helena, played by Michelle Bonnard, and Demetrius, played by Dominic Cooper, find themselves lost in the forest and under the spell of a mischievous fairy named Puck, played by Dean Lennox Kelly.

The final episode, "Much Ado About Nothing," features Damian Lewis as Benedict, a cynical and jaded journalist who falls in love with his rival, Beatrice, played by Sarah Parish, a famous novelist. The two are at odds with each other until they are thrown together on a charity project and forced to confront their feelings for each other. Meanwhile, the conniving Don John, played by Tom Ellis, plots to ruin the engagement of his brother Claudio, played by Billie Piper, and Hero, played by Chloe Howman.

Shakespeare Re-Told is a refreshing take on some of Shakespeare's most beloved works, offering a contemporary twist on timeless themes of love, betrayal, ambition, and revenge. The series is brilliantly acted, with each episode featuring top-notch performances from a talented ensemble cast. The writing is clever, witty, and insightful, capturing the essence of Shakespeare's plays while putting a modern spin on the stories.

Overall, Shakespeare Re-Told is a must-watch for fans of Shakespeare and anyone who loves a good drama. Each episode is self-contained, making it easy to jump in and out of the series as you please. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the Bard or simply in the mood for some quality entertainment, Shakespeare Re-Told is sure to delight and entertain.

Shakespeare Re-Told is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between November 7, 2005 and on BBC America