Watch Shakespeare Retold

Shakespeare Retold is a BBC miniseries that features modernized versions of four of William Shakespeare's most famous plays. Each episode is a stand-alone story that takes the classic text and reimagines it in modern-day situations, settings, and contexts. The miniseries first aired in 2005 and starred actors such as Nick Malinowski, Shirley Henderson, and James McAvoy.

The first episode is a retelling of The Taming of the Shrew, called "The Taming of the Shrewd." Kate (Shirley Henderson) is a successful businesswoman who has no time for love, and Petruchio (Rufus Sewell) is a handsome and ambitious stockbroker who sets his sights on taming the feisty Kate. The episode takes place in modern-day London and features plenty of witty banter, physical humor, and clever twists on the original story.

The second episode, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," takes place in a high-end hotel and features a group of guests who find themselves caught up in a magical and surreal experience. The cast includes Imelda Staunton, Bill Paterson, and Lennie James, and the episode is a playful and imaginative take on the original play.

The third episode is a modern-day retelling of Macbeth called "Macbeth," and starred James McAvoy as Joe Macbeth, a chef who rises to power in a high-end restaurant with the help of his ambitious wife, Ella (Keeley Hawes). The episode is a dark and tense thriller that delves into themes of ambition, greed, and paranoia.

The final episode, "Much Ado About Nothing," is set in a local TV newsroom and features the dynamic between the two co-anchors, Beatrice (Sarah Parish) and Benedict (Damian Lewis). The episode is a witty and fast-paced rom-com that explores themes of love, loyalty, and the media.

Throughout the series, the stories are updated with contemporary settings, fashion, music, and technology, but the language remains true to the original Shakespearean text. The episodes are cleverly crafted and showcase the versatility of Shakespeare's stories, characters, and themes across genres and time periods.

In addition to the talented cast, the series also featured a stellar lineup of directors, including Brian Percival, David Richards, and Ed Fraiman. The stunning cinematography, clever editing, and original score also helped bring the stories to life in imaginative and visually stunning ways.

Overall, Shakespeare Retold is a fresh and inventive take on the Bard's classic tales, featuring strong performances, clever writing, and stunning production values. Whether you're a Shakespeare fan or simply love great storytelling, this miniseries is a must-watch.

Shakespeare Retold is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (4 episodes). The series first aired on November 7, 2005.