In ‘Upstart Crow‘, David Mitchell plays Will Shakespeare, with Liza Tarbuck as Anne Hathaway and Gemma Whelan as Kate. This BBC Two sitcom reimagines the Bard as a struggling London playwright.
Main cast
- William ShakespeareDavid Mitchell1–3Main
- KateGemma Whelan1–3Main
- Anne HathawayLiza Tarbuck1–3Main
Supporting cast
- Robert GreeneMark Heap1–3Supp
- Susanna ShakespeareHelen Monks1–3Supp
- Bottom (the landlord)Steve Speirs1–3Supp
- Marlowe (Christopher Marlowe)Tim Downie1–3Supp
- Dr John HallRob Rouse1–3Supp
- Agnes (Anne’s servant)Paula Wilcox2–3Supp
Guest & voice
- Nigel Planer / various charactersNigel Planer1–3Guest
- Cordelia (Burbage’s daughter)Fay Ripley3Guest
- Richard BurbageJohn Hannah1Guest
- The Queen / Elizabeth IEmma Thompson3Guest
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About this cast
Upstart Crow is a British sitcom that aired on BBC Two for three series between 2016 and 2020, plus a Christmas special in 2018. It follows a fictionalised, struggling William Shakespeare as he juggles writing his plays in London with family life in Stratford-upon-Avon. The show blends Elizabethan setting with modern comedy, starring David Mitchell as the lead.
FAQs
Who plays Will Shakespeare in Upstart Crow?
David Mitchell plays the lead role of William Shakespeare.
Is Upstart Crow available on streaming services?
In the UK, all three series are available on BBC iPlayer.
How many series of Upstart Crow are there?
There are three series (total of 20 episodes) plus a 2018 Christmas special.
Who plays Anne Hathaway in Upstart Crow?
Liza Tarbuck plays Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife.
What genre is Upstart Crow?
It is a historical sitcom with modern comedy, written by Ben Elton.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026