Documentary
Playing Shakespeare poster

The Worst Episodes of Playing Shakespeare

Every episode of Playing Shakespeare ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Playing Shakespeare!

The Worst 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 Rehearsing the Text
    8.7/10(7 votes)

    #1 - Rehearsing the Text

    S1:E7

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
    0 Comments

    Be first to comment!

    Start
    !

    Be the first to comment!

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

    #2 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
    0 Comments

    Be first to comment!

    Start
    !

    Be the first to comment!

  3. Background image for Exploring a Character
    8.8/10(6 votes)

    #3 - Exploring a Character

    S1:E8

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
    0 Comments

    Be first to comment!

    Start
    !

    Be the first to comment!

  4. Background image for Language and Character
    8.9/10(11 votes)

    #4 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
    0 Comments

    Be first to comment!

    Start
    !

    Be the first to comment!

  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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
    0 Comments

    Be first to comment!

    Start
    !

    Be the first to comment!

  6. Background image for Poetry and Hidden Poetry
    9.3/10(7 votes)

    #6 - Poetry and Hidden Poetry

    S1:E9

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
    0 Comments

    Be first to comment!

    Start
    !

    Be the first to comment!

  7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Playing Shakespeare

    READ
  8. Background image for Using the Verse
    9.4/10(8 votes)

    #7 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
    0 Comments

    Be first to comment!

    Start
    !

    Be the first to comment!

  9. Background image for Speeches and Soliloquies
    9.5/10(10 votes)

    #8 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
    0 Comments

    Be first to comment!

    Start
    !

    Be the first to comment!

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

    #9 - The Two Traditions

    S1:E1

    Contrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
    0 Comments

    Be first to comment!

    Start
    !

    Be the first to comment!

Worst Episodes Summary

"Rehearsing the Text" is the worst rated episode of "Playing Shakespeare". It scored 8.7/10 based on 7 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 9/9/1984. This episode scored 0.1 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Passion and Coolness".