Watch The Shakespeare Conspiracy Presented by Sir Derek Jacobi

The Shakespeare Conspiracy Presented by Sir Derek Jacobi is a fascinating, in-depth analysis of the question that has long plagued scholars and enthusiasts alike: who really wrote the works of William Shakespeare? This documentary is hosted by renowned actor Sir Derek Jacobi, who is also a Shakespeare scholar and author, and is presented in a way that is accessible to both newcomers to the topic and seasoned veterans.

The documentary begins with an overview of the traditional narrative: that William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, moved to London as a teenager, began acting and writing plays, and eventually became the foremost playwright of his time. However, as Sir Derek points out, there are a number of inconsistencies and gaps in this story that suggest Shakespeare was not the true author of the works that bear his name.

From there, the documentary delves into a variety of different theories about who may have written Shakespeare's plays. Some of the theories are more outlandish than others - for example, some suggest that Shakespeare was actually a pseudonym for a group of writers, or that the plays were written by the Earl of Oxford - but each theory is presented fairly and objectively. Sir Derek interviews a number of experts in the field, including professors, authors, and historians, who weigh in on the evidence for and against each theory.

Throughout the documentary, Sir Derek is a genial and engaging host, never pushing his own beliefs too strongly but always guiding the viewer through the material. He has a particular talent for making complex arguments and dense historical information accessible to a lay audience, and he brings a great deal of warmth and personality to his presentation.

The documentary is also beautifully shot, with lush visuals of London and Stratford-upon-Avon, as well as close-ups of rare manuscripts and historical documents. This attention to visual detail helps to bring the story to life and make it feel more personal and engaging.

One of the standout moments of the documentary is a section devoted to the infamous "Dark Lady" of Shakespeare's sonnets. Sir Derek interviews a number of experts on the subject, each of whom has a different theory about who this enigmatic figure may have been. Again, Sir Derek is careful not to weigh in too heavily on any one theory, but the depth and breadth of the research that has been done on this subject is truly impressive. It's a testament to the enduring fascination that the works of Shakespeare continue to hold for so many people.

Overall, The Shakespeare Conspiracy Presented by Sir Derek Jacobi is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in the works of Shakespeare or the history of English literature. It is a comprehensive and thoughtful examination of a question that has puzzled scholars for centuries, and it is presented with both intelligence and heart. Highly recommended for fans of history, literature, and documentary filmmaking.

The Shakespeare Conspiracy Presented by Sir Derek Jacobi is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 44 minutes.