Shakespeare on Film

The first ever Shakespearean film - once thought to be lost - with Herbert Beerbohm Tree in the title role.

An early Italian take on King Lear notable for its vibrant stenciling and impressive use of outdoor locations.

Memorably framed by a depiction of Shakespeare himself, this is one of the most successful (and longest) of the surviving silent Shakespeare films.

A selection of Hamlet’s most famous scenes are reproduced in this Italian production from 1910.

A selection of key scenes from Shakespeare’s Roman tragedy, in this American adaptation from 1908.

This silent Shakespeare adaptation features some impressive effects, including a storm scene evoked by scratches into the film itself.

Sir Ian McKellen reflects on his most renowned on-screen Shakespearean role, reprised from Richard Eyre's acclaimed National Theatre production.

Sir Ian McKellen introduces Laurence Olivier's classic adaptation of Henry V, a rousing wartime classic which McKellen contrasts with Kenneth Branagh's more circumspect 1989 version.

Sir Ian McKellen champions one of the less traditional Shakespeare adaptations, which updates Othello to the 1960s Soho jazz scene.

Acting legend Ian McKellen discusses his impressive range of Shakespearean performances.

All of London's a stage in this summery, Shakespeare-themed tour of the capital.

Crowds of thousands came to see a stadium-sized theatrical spectacle.

Two scenes from Shakespeare's famous Scottish tragedy, with Wilfrid Lawson and Cathleen Nesbitt as a fine murderous duo.

Forceful staging of the famous forum scene from Shakespeare's tragedy about honour and betrayal in ancient Rome.

Have you ever wondered what goes into the manufacture of a bicycle chain? A Coventry company attempts to boost interest by linking to their most famous regional landmarks.

A fascinating record of F.R Benson’s famed production at Stratford’s Shakespeare Memorial Theatre.

Entertaining and evocative Fleet Air Arm drama-doc propaganda piece, written and directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.

An animated Moor of Venice brings comedy to Shakespeare’s tragedy, in this cut-out cartoon with some neat tricks up its sleeve

The Shrew gets a taste of her own medicine from a rumbustious Petruchio

To bob, or not to bob? That is the question for Ophelia in this early animated Hamlet, starring a far from gloomy Dane

Shakespeare's Warwickshire - home of the half timbered heritage trail and the place that will be forever linked to its most famous son.

Travel back in time to a bygone Stratford-upon-Avon through the lens of the BFI's fascinating collection of Shakespeare-themed travelogues.

A tour of Stratford-upon-Avon's houses and hamlets, stomping ground of a young William Shakespeare.

"O for a muse of fire" - or not, as Shakespeare's Memorial Theatre in Stratford is gutted by flames.

Proud locals hold a double celebration in Shakespeare's home town.

Stratford celebrates the birthday of its most famous son.

Elegantly attired men and women while away a sunny afternoon on the banks of the River Avon in this idyllic Edwardian travelogue.

Leading lights of the Masonic fraternity are uncharacteristically conspicuous in this theatrical ceremony.

Top-hatted gents (one Japanese) parade through the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon to mark Shakespeare's birthday and St George's Day.

A picturesque portrait of Stratford-on-Avon in the 1920s, evocatively photographed by British cinema pioneer Cecil Hepworth.

Macbeth, Julius Caesar and other Shakespearean characters let their hair down at home.

Pomp and ceremony in Stratford-upon-Avon for the Bard's birthday

Toyah Willcox and Stuart Hopps share their memories of working on Derek Jarman's 1979 production of The Tempest, with access to a remarkable collection of notebooks, photos, scripts and designs from the film.

Scenic views of the Bard's stomping ground, Stratford-upon-Avon, in this charming early travelogue.

Sexey’s school put on a Shakespearian production.

A progressive design by a pioneering female architect beats all comers to become the new Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford

Experimental Shakespeare: prose and poetry, reading and performance, with filming mechanics laid bare

An unconvincing Shakespeare mopes in Stratford, an Edward VII stand-in sups in Norfolk, and French actresses posture in London.

Harrow’s schoolboys perform a scene from King Lear in this short film looking at the school’s theatrical endeavours.

Musical short featuring a duet from the Gounod opera

Druids, kings and mystics - rekindling the ancient spirit of Glastonbury.