Shakespeare?s famous tragedy, describing how a lust for power and the prophecy of three witches transform a brave nobleman into a traitor and murderous tyrant, has mesmerised audiences since its first performance over four centuries ago. Macbeth?s temptation and descent into evil, his wife?s ruthlessness and subsequent madness and the overarching presence of the supernatural are brilliantly evoked in this BBC Radio archive production from 2000, directed...

Shakespeare's classic play explores the eternal themes of love and hate, mercy and justice, with parallel stories centred on the moneylender, Shylock, and the lovers, Portia and Bassanio. Shylock's angry insistence on the repayment of his debt from Bassanio ends in the Venetian courts where he demands his pound of flesh. Portia meanwhile, a wealthy young Venetian woman, must marry one of her many suitors. Her late father?s will has set the challenge...

With its cross-dressed heroine, gender games and explorations of sexual ambivalence, 'As You Like It' speaks directly to the 21st century. This text includes detailed notes and commentary on Shakespeare's play, providing a full and comprehensive introduction to its historical and cultural contexts.

A peerless general is offered the consulship of Rome after his triumph over the city of Corioles. Too proud to respect the will of the people, however, he soon finds himself despised by the mob, and speaks out passionately against popular rule.

BBC Radio has a unique heritage when it comes to Shakespeare. Since 1923, when the newly formed company broadcast its first full-length play, generations of actors and producers have honed and perfected the craft of making Shakespeare to be heard. In the acclaimed BBC Radio Shakespeare series, each play is introduced by Richard Eyre, former Director of the Royal National Theatre. Revitalised, original and comprehensive, this is Shakespeare for the...

Three full-cast BBC Radio productions of Shakespeare's most famous Roman plays Featuring all-star casts and introduced by Sir Richard Eyre, these three iconic productions of Shakespeare's dynamic Roman histories are full of political intrigue, passion and tragedy. Julius Caesar This updated version of Shakespeare's classic play is set in Italy in 1925. Julius Caesar, a new Roman dictator, has swept to power, and his way is clear to assume total control...