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BBC TELEVISION SHAKESPEARE As You Like It and The Tempest

BBC DVD / Region 4 / Released April 2008 and available to buy separately.

Featuring Helen Mirren, Brian Stirner, Angharad Rees, James Bolam, Michael Horden, Warren Clarke, Pippa Guard

BBC DVD are slowing wworking their way through the BBC's mammoth attempt (staged between 1978 and 1982) to mount all star versions of every one of William Shakespeare's plays. Known collectively as The BBC Television Shakespeare the plays were all quite different in style from glamorous shot on location pieces to studio bound tragedies all held together by the masters word and the casting which truly featured the very cream of British acting talent.

Two releases this month are both very different productions, the light hearted As You Like It (from 1978) and the fantastical The Tempest (frm 1980). In AS YOU LIKE IT Helen Mirren (looking very gorgeous) is Rosalind and Brian Stirner (who seems to have been forgotten these days but was quite busy in the late 70's) plays Orlando, together these lovers yearn for a simpler existence so, taking along friends and servants, decamp to the Forest of Arden, only to find life more complicated than ever. It is one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies and its easy to enjoy and get lost in with its bantering wordplay and wonderful settings.

THE TEMPEST by contrast is Shakespeare in his final years, focusing on the universal themes of power and control but also exploring the nature of reality and illusion. The brilliant Michael Hordern is Prospero, the rightful duke of Milan, but living in exile on an enchanted island with his daughter Miranda. Using the power of Ariel, a spirit of the air, Prospero is able to summon his brother (who has taken over his kingdom) and his entourage to the island so that he can gain his revenge.

All of these BBC Shakespeare produtions showcase British drama at its best and are not just welcome releases but dare we say it - essential ones too.

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