To be, or not to be, that is the Question. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjHXIWLTsOk This marks my 1,000th column for Anglotopia. Shortly after I wrote my 500th column, a review of A Clockwork Orange, my all-time favourite film, I found myself wondering what the thousandth review would be. My next couple favourite films are actually set in America, and, of the British films … [Read more...] about One Shakespearean’s Take on Ken Branagh’s Hamlet
Shakespeare
Telly News: The Complete BBC Shakespeare Collection Coming to BritBox May 26th
Big news from British TV streaming service BritBox - they've managed to get the complete BBC Shakespeare collection of plays and performances for their subscribers. Here are the details from BritBox: BritBox, the subscription streaming service from BBC Studios and ITV with the largest collection of British television content in North America, will launch the full BBC … [Read more...] about Telly News: The Complete BBC Shakespeare Collection Coming to BritBox May 26th
Through the Library: Shakespeare’s Country by S.W. Colyer – Beautiful Pictures of Old Stratford Upon Avon and the Surrounding Area
This edition of Through the LIbrary continues our journey through the photographic works of S.W. Colyer, a photographer who captured some of Britain's most iconic places in the 1930s and 40s. Shakespeare's Country focused on Stratford Upon Avon and the surrounding areas, where William Shakespeare spent most of his life (with several stints in London). The book was published … [Read more...] about Through the Library: Shakespeare’s Country by S.W. Colyer – Beautiful Pictures of Old Stratford Upon Avon and the Surrounding Area
A Day in the Life of… William Shakespeare – Writer. Actor. Grain Merchant?
The lark, herald of the morning, rouses William Shakespeare to wakefulness in the bedchamber of his grand home in Stratford-upon-Avon. As the sun rises, so does England’s most famous bard, eager to exploit the daylight hours and begin work. Early morning is the best time for writing, free from the distractions of home, family, and business, and on this bright and breezy spring … [Read more...] about A Day in the Life of… William Shakespeare – Writer. Actor. Grain Merchant?
Anglotopia Imports Alert: New Products LIVE – Jane Austen, Shakespeare and Monarchs Magnets
This week we have some lovely tributes to Britain's Monarchs, William Shakespeare and Jane Austen with some fun and quirky magnet sets. These will ship after May 11th. BROWSE THE COLLECTION … [Read more...] about Anglotopia Imports Alert: New Products LIVE – Jane Austen, Shakespeare and Monarchs Magnets
Top 10 Britain: Ten Shakespearean Locations Every Fan of the Bard Should Visit
It’s a bit of an understatement to say that William Shakespeare was one of the most influential writers of Western Civilization. He’s credited with introducing more than 1,700 words to the English language, written 154 sonnets, and crafted 37 plays that have stood the test of time and become a part of the world’s culture. Needless to say, with that kind of impact, Shakespeare … [Read more...] about Top 10 Britain: Ten Shakespearean Locations Every Fan of the Bard Should Visit
Brit Lit: A Brief History of William Shakespeare and Love
William Shakespeare is thought of as one of the most romantic writers in history. From his plays to his sonnets, his works are held up as iconic. Plays such as Romeo & Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, Antony & Cleopatra, and The Taming of the Shrew helped craft the idea of romantic love at a time when marriage was still a practical endeavor, and the lines “Shall I … [Read more...] about Brit Lit: A Brief History of William Shakespeare and Love
One Shakespearean’s Take on Chimes at Midnight
We have heard the chimes at midnight, Master Shallow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTniLiKZpqE Where should I start with this film? Well, I suppose it's worth noting that for reasons that aren't terribly clear, this movie, in its 52nd year, only last August did it finally get a DVD release. That said, a shockingly high number of Orson Welles' films have been neglected … [Read more...] about One Shakespearean’s Take on Chimes at Midnight
The Bard: One Shakespearean’s Take on Tromeo and Juliet
Two households, different as dried plums and pears In fair Manhattan, where we lay our scene. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5M5v4d3b8s As I write this, the world is still reeling from the 88th Academy Awards. While there were quite a few choices I didn't agree with, the Academy did have enough sense to give Amy the Best Documentary award and, after 23 years, Leonardo … [Read more...] about The Bard: One Shakespearean’s Take on Tromeo and Juliet
Shakespeare: Things We Say Today Which We Owe to Shakespeare
This little graphic certainly doesn't have them all - but it has many of the most famous. So, we thought it fun and worth sharing. Source. … [Read more...] about Shakespeare: Things We Say Today Which We Owe to Shakespeare
Brit Movies: One Shakespearean’s Take on Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo+Juliet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VBsi0VxiLg The fearful passage of their death-mark'd love, And the continuance of their parents' rage, Which, but their children's end, nought could remove, Is now the two hours' traffic of our stage; The which if you with patient ears attend, What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend. Baz Luhrmann's Romeo+Juliet is a … [Read more...] about Brit Movies: One Shakespearean’s Take on Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo+Juliet
One Shakespearean’s Take On Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5dI65LvbrE O for a Muse of fire, that would ascend The brightest heaven of invention, A kingdom for a stage, princes to act, And monarchs to behold the swelling scene! I thought long and hard about which Shakespeare adaptation (of the 1080 films listed on IMDB as I type this) should be the first one I should take on for … [Read more...] about One Shakespearean’s Take On Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V
The Bard: William Shakespeare – Newly-discovered image revealed
A new portrait of Shakespeare has been uncovered - thought to be the only one from during his actual life. From the Daily Telegraph: Drawing of playwright hailed as 'literary discovery of the century' found after being identified by botanist and historian Mark Griffiths An image claimed to be the first and only contemporary portrait of William … [Read more...] about The Bard: William Shakespeare – Newly-discovered image revealed
Great Britons: William Shakespeare – A Primer on the Greatest English Playwright
William Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". His extant works, including some collaborations, consist of about 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and a few other verses, the … [Read more...] about Great Britons: William Shakespeare – A Primer on the Greatest English Playwright
Shakespeare in the Barnyard and Other Weird British Animal News
I'm finding a lot of stories in my backlog related to animals, and, before I put down my Scotland-related news stories in one post in time for September 18's Independence referendum, I think I might as well tackle some of the animal-related stories I've got. The Dog that eats women's underwear. When you get a new dog, one of the first things you learn is that some of the … [Read more...] about Shakespeare in the Barnyard and Other Weird British Animal News
Happy Shakespeare Day! Here Are 11 Facts and Figures about the Bard William Shakespeare You Probably Didn’t Know
Happy Shakespeare Day everyone! What is Shakespeare Day? Well, April 23rd marks the day that William Shakespeare was born (though this is also been disputed to the point no one knows for sure) but it’s also actuality the day he died as well. This year has a special significance and it marks 450 years since he was born, so there are many big celebrations all over Britain - not … [Read more...] about Happy Shakespeare Day! Here Are 11 Facts and Figures about the Bard William Shakespeare You Probably Didn’t Know
Shakespeare: A Visual Guide to Shakespeare’s Tragedies
This is making the rounds on social media so I thought it was worth sharing, it's a handy visual guide to the tragedies of William Shakespeare. Click the image to view a full sized version. … [Read more...] about Shakespeare: A Visual Guide to Shakespeare’s Tragedies
Brit DVD Reviews: Shakespeare – The King’s Man by Athena
Shakespeare: The King’s Man was an absolute delight from start to finish. I’m a fan of Shakespeare, but admittedly don’t know a whole lot about the plays he wrote during his time as “the King’s Man,” when he and company became the “King’s Players,” officially working at the King’s pleasure. This fascinating documentary will appeal to both seasoned historians and general … [Read more...] about Brit DVD Reviews: Shakespeare – The King’s Man by Athena
Shakespeare: Radio 4 and The British Museum to explore Shakespeare’s Restless World in new Series
British Museum Director Neil MacGregor presents Shakespeare's Restless World, a new series for Radio 4, (broadcast from 16 April at 1.45pm and repeated at 7.45pm) and part of a wider BBC Shakespeare Season. The 20-part series looks at the world through the eyes of Shakespeare's audience by exploring objects from that turbulent period. Examining these objects, Neil … [Read more...] about Shakespeare: Radio 4 and The British Museum to explore Shakespeare’s Restless World in new Series
Brit Movies Reviews – Coriolanus – Ralph Fiennes stars and directs Shakespeare’s tragedy
Fiennes – most recently seen on screen as Lord Voldemeort in the tumultuous final two movies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – goes all Shakespearean for his directorial debut, taking on one of the bard’s lesser-performed works. Screenwriter John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator, The Last Samurai) adapted Shakespeare’s base-on-truth early 17th century story for the big … [Read more...] about Brit Movies Reviews – Coriolanus – Ralph Fiennes stars and directs Shakespeare’s tragedy
Royal Shakespeare Company 2012 Highlights
The Royal Shakespeare Company has released their highlights of 2012 - check them out below. January to March THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Following her acclaimed production of Julius Caesar in 2009/10, Lucy Bailey directs Shakespeare's romantic comedy exploring love, sexual politics and the art of illusion. The cast includes Lisa Dillon and David Caves as sparring lovers … [Read more...] about Royal Shakespeare Company 2012 Highlights
Brit Book Review: Bard Games by Victor L. Cahn
Victor L. Cahn really had a unique idea when he wrote Bard Games, a fun quiz book about Shakespeare. I honestly am not a huge Shakespeare fan, so when I saw this come into the Anglotopia office I was hesitant on how to review it. I desperately wish I were a bigger fan of Shakespeare, and this book has helped me really find some enjoyment in these famous works. I was … [Read more...] about Brit Book Review: Bard Games by Victor L. Cahn
Friday Fun: Hamlet’s Soliloquy as a Song – Video
A young musician who had to memorize Hamlet's Soliloquy put it to song to help her remember it. The result is rather good! Check it out below: … [Read more...] about Friday Fun: Hamlet’s Soliloquy as a Song – Video
Brits Sneer at the Very Premise of ‘Anonymous’ – Videos
Britain is rather annoyed at the American movie opening today around the world that posits that William Shakespeare didn't write his plays. We're firmly in the 'wrote his plays' camp - the theory that he didn't has been debunked again and again. But it still could make an interesting movie. Here are some British TV news reports about this film. Film suggests shady … [Read more...] about Brits Sneer at the Very Premise of ‘Anonymous’ – Videos
All the world’s on stage at the Globe Theatre in London
On Shakespeare's birthday, 23 April, the Globe Theatre in London will begin an unprecedented programme of multilingual Shakespeare productions – every one of his plays, each performed in a different language. The six-week programme, entitled Globe to Globe, includes all 37 Shakespearean dramas, performed by 37 international companies, plus his poem Venus and Adonis performed … [Read more...] about All the world’s on stage at the Globe Theatre in London
Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas in 2007 in a closet in Chicago. Anglotopia is for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Join us as we explore Britain and everything it has to offer!
