Two worlds collide
Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, and Happy Valley star Sarah Lancashire are teaming up to create a brand new show exploring the life of William Shakespeare.
The drama series will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the writer’s first work.
The synopsis for the upcoming show reads: “For the first time on television, the drama will tell the complete and thrilling story of the glove-maker’s son who became the greatest storyteller in history. And how one man’s genius survived and thrived in an age of turmoil and terror, danger and disease.
“This is the first full account of the passion, people and politics that made William Shakespeare the world’s most famous dramatist and the men and women around him who loved and laboured, schemed and plotted, killed and connived in one of the most dangerous and exciting periods in history.”
Knight said: “I’m excited to be embarking on what will be a landmark TV production telling the dramatic story of the world’s most accomplished writer. It’s a period I love and the team that has been put together is extraordinary. It’s a story that begins in the West Midlands and is close to my heart.”
There is currently no broadcaster attached to the show. However, it is sure to be picked up quickly, considering the names attached.
Both Happy Valley and Peaky Blinders have been among the most successful British shows of the last decade, with both receiving many accolades and critical acclaim.
Lancashire just finished up the third and final season of Happy Valley. The show has garnered huge success since its debut in 2014, winning two BAFTA awards along the way.
Knight is also set to write a screenplay for a new Star Wars movie, according to reports. Ms. Marvel director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is attached to helm the movie.
A Peaky Blinders movie is also in the works, with Knight saying that production is set to begin some time this year. The series creator expects the movie to be ready by 2024.
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