Playing Shakespeare poster
Documentary

The Best Episodes of Playing Shakespeare

Every episode of Playing Shakespeare ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Playing Shakespeare!

The Best Episodes of Playing Shakespeare

John Barton holds a master class in how to play Shakespeare, using members of the RSC doing scenes, sonnets, and commentary as prime examples.

Seasons1

  1. Background image for The Two Traditions
    9.6/10(10 votes)

    #1 - The Two Traditions

    S1:E1

    Contrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech.

    0 Comments
    View all
    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  2. Background image for Speeches and Soliloquies
    9.5/10(10 votes)

    #2 - Speeches and Soliloquies

    S1:E4

    John Barton and members of the RSC present a workshop on how Shakespeare used the soliloquy to directly connect the character with the audience.

    0 Comments
    View all
    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  3. Background image for Using the Verse
    9.4/10(8 votes)

    #3 - Using the Verse

    S1:E2

    John Barton and company examine blank verse. Its strengths and particularities are discussed in great detail. Members of the cast try out various readings.

    0 Comments
    View all
    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  4. Background image for Poetry and Hidden Poetry
    9.3/10(7 votes)

    #4 - Poetry and Hidden Poetry

    S1:E9

    The bard's unparalleled poetry is celebrated and examined in its glory.

    0 Comments
    View all
    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  5. Background image for Irony and Ambiguity
    9.1/10(8 votes)

    #5 - Irony and Ambiguity

    S1:E5

    John Barton and the RSC actors consider the subtle shadings produced by irony, ambiguity and sarcasm, and how best to express them.

    0 Comments
    View all
    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  6. Background image for Language and Character
    8.9/10(11 votes)

    #6 - Language and Character

    S1:E3

    John Barton and the cast discuss how Shakespeare defines his character by the language they speak, and how the characters attempt to achieve their aims by means of what they say and how they say it.

    0 Comments
    View all
    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Playing Shakespeare

    READ
  8. Background image for Passion and Coolness
    8.8/10(9 votes)

    #7 - Passion and Coolness

    S1:E6

    Hamlet's advice to the players is the best-known acting instruction in theatrical history. John Barton and the RSC actors explore this essential mandate to be both natural and intellectual.

    0 Comments
    View all
    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  9. Background image for Exploring a Character
    8.8/10(6 votes)

    #8 - Exploring a Character

    S1:E8

    No description available

    0 Comments
    View all
    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  10. Background image for Rehearsing the Text
    8.7/10(7 votes)

    #9 - Rehearsing the Text

    S1:E7

    John Barton and the actors analyze a scene from Twelfth Night, identifying pointers towards character and staging.

    0 Comments
    View all
    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

Best Episodes Summary

"The Two Traditions" is the best rated episode of "Playing Shakespeare". It scored 9.6/10 based on 10 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 7/29/1984. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "Speeches and Soliloquies".