Shakespeare with a ‘Horrible Histories’ twist!

The team behind kids (and parents) favourite, Horrible Histories is turning the BAFTA-winning formula into a new BBC Film. ‘BILL‘, a Cowboy Films/Punk Cinema production for BBC Films is a new comedy film about Shakespeare – or how Bill became William.

Starring the six lead Horrible Histories cast – Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond. All will play multiple roles in the film, in the style of the Python films.

BILL tells the story of how hopeless lute player Bill Shakespeare leaves his family and home to follow his dream. It’s a tale of murderous kings, spies, lost loves, and a plot to blow up Queen Elizabeth. Can one man prove the quill is mightier than the sword?

The story is an original script by Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond, developed with BBC Films.

Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond say: “BILL is a comedy adventure for all the family. We’re playing with history, just as Shakespeare did, for the entertainment of the audience. And we like to think he’d be OK with it. Apart from the bit where he’s dressed as a tomato.”

Richard Bracewell (The Gigolos) will direct. Producers are Charles Steel at Cowboy Films (The Last King Of Scotland, How I Live Now) and Tony Bracewell and Richard Bracewell at Punk Cinema. Joe Oppenheimer at BBC Films will executive produce.

“We’re thrilled that BBC Films is making the first film starring this team of incredibly talented and popular British comedy writers and performers,” comments Christine Langan, Head of BBC Films. “Horrible Histories has been a terrific success and is hugely popular with both kids and their parents. BILL will be a film for all the family to enjoy with original British talent telling a very funny story about Shakespeare.”

‘BILL’ will begin shooting later this year in the UK