...talking about Shakespeare

Philomena Cunk has been given her own show – about Shakespeare.

Comedian Diane Morgan’s witless commentator from Charlie Brooker’s Wipe shows is to present a half-hour guide to the Bard as part of the BBC’s celebrations of his 400th anniversary. 

Brooker will be executive producer on the BBC Two, show along with his partner in the House of Tomorrow production house, Annabel Jones.

The BBC say: ‘Unrivalled wordsmith. Unequalled genius. Scholar of the Human Condition. Philomena Cunk is the ideal candidate to give the BBC Two audience a comprehensive guide to William Shakespeare. 

‘A regular contributor to Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe, Philomena has proven herself a shrewd interviewer, an insightful critic, and a voice of wisdom for our troubled times. She’ll bring all of these considerable talents to bear as she authors a documentary about the Bard, across 30 factually accurate minutes.’

As previously announced, the comic highlight of the season is the period comedy Upstart Crow, written by Ben Elton and starring David Mitchell as Shakespeare.

The cast also features Liza Tarbuck as Anne Hathaway,  Harry Enfield as his father, Rob Rouse as  his servant Bottom, Gemma Whelan as his friend Kate, Tim Downie as  Marlowe and Mark Heap as his rival Robert Green.

Elton said: ‘I have tried very hard to think myself into Shakespeare’s creative world, writing only with a small chicken feather and not changing my underpants for a year.’

Mitchell added: ‘I’m delighted to be playing England’s greatest bard at this difficult time for bards everywhere. You just try getting work as a bard these days. It’s virtually impossible.’

The season also includes Gyles Brandreth meeting other William Shakespeares to find out what it’s like to share his name for The One Show; while daytime soap Doctors will feature episodes inspired by Shakespearean sonnets.

Published: 21 Jan 2016