Shakespeare Uncovered Season 2 Episodes

6 Episodes 2015 - 2015

The series that offers a view behind the curtain of Shakespeare's plays is back for a second season with new hosts and new plays. Hugh Bonneville hosts an episode about "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in which he speaks to Ralph Fiennes and others about the timeless appeal of the play, Christopher Plummer hosts an episode about "King Lear" in which he reflects on his experience of palying the titular character opposite Ian McKellen and Simon Russell Beale, and Joseph Fiennes, who famously played Shakespeare himself in "Shakespeare in Love", hosts an episode about "Romeo and Juliet" and its many adaptations.

Episode 1

A Midsummer Night's Dream With Hugh Bonneville

Fri, Jan 30, 2015 60 mins

The Season 2 premiere features Hugh Bonneville, who began his career as an understudy for Ralph Fiennes in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Open Air Theatre in London's Regent's Park, reflecting on the play's enduring appeal with Fiennes, David Walliams and Sheridan Smith.

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Episode 2

King Lear With Christopher Plummer

Fri, Jan 30, 2015 60 mins

A look at "King Lear" with Christopher Plummer, who first played the title role in 2002 under the direction of Jonathan Miller. He explores how the play may have been staged in Shakespeare's time; and talks about playing the king with Ian McKellen and Simon Russell Beale.

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Episode 3

The Taming of the Shrew With Morgan Freeman

Fri, Feb 6, 2015 60 mins

Morgan Freeman investigates "The Taming of the Shrew." He talks with Tracey Ullman, who starred with him a 1990 Shakespeare in the Park production that set the story in the Old West; and also talks with Sinead Cusack and Julia Stiles.

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Episode 4

Othello With David Harewood

Fri, Feb 6, 2015 60 mins

David Harewood, who in 1997 became the first black actor to star as Othello at London's National Theatre, explores the issues raised in the play; and interviews Adrian Lester, Simon Russell Beale, Ian McKellen, Julia Stiles and Patrick Stewart.

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Episode 5

Antony & Cleopatra With Kim Cattrall

Fri, Feb 13, 2015 60 mins

A look at "Antony and Cleopatra" with Kim Cattrall, who has twice played Cleopatra. She meets Janet Suzman, Harriet Walter and Vanessa Redgrave, who have also starred as the Egyptian queen; and visits Rome in search of possible inspirations for the play.

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Episode 6

Romeo & Juliet With Joseph Fiennes

Fri, Feb 13, 2015 60 mins

In the Season 2 finale, Joseph Fiennes examines "Romeo and Juliet" and its many permutations, including Royal Ballet productions; "West Side Story" and other musicals; and Baz Luhrmann's cinematic re-imagining of the play. Included: remarks from Orlando Bloom, Condola Rashad and Stephen Sondheim.

Where to Watch