The BBC have announced they are to make a movie of their incredibly successful family show, HORRIBLE HISTORIES, about a certain playwright named BILL. *I am PROPER fangirl’ing right now* The Beeb issued the following synopsis:
‘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 film stars the main six performers from the show; Mathew Baynton, Ben Willbond, Simon Farnaby, Laurence Rickard, Martha Howe-Douglas and Jim Howick, all of whom will play multiple roles as they do in the programme. Rickard and Willbond, best known on the series for their portrayals of Bob Hale and Henry VIII respectively, are writing the script that will start shooting later this year.
‘BILL is a comedy adventure for all the family,’ say the writers. ‘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.’
The comedy will be directed by Richard Bracewell, perhaps best known for his 2005 film THE GIGOLOS, which starred Willbond. Bracewell will also produce alongside his brother Tony and Charles Steel (LAST KING OF SCOTLAND, MARLEY).
‘We’re thrilled that BBC Films is making the first film starring this team of incredibly talented and popular British comedy writers and performers,’ says Christine Langan, Head of BBC films, who seems just as psyched as the legions of fans the show has gained. ‘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.’
However, the exciting news comes with the mournful confirmation that the upcoming fifth series will be the last, airing at the end of May. But it will be going out on a high, having won five Children’s BAFTAs and two Comedy Awards. It has been described as an instant classic and will go down in history as one of the best loved family shows of a generation. Here are some of their finest sketches:
Source: BBC
