Love is the only inspiration.
Young William Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, 'Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter', before it's even written. When lovely noblewoman Viola de Lesseps auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love — and Shakespeare's play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship intensifies, the comedy soon transforms into tragedy.
Made in US
6.8/10
1998
Server
Having issues? Try switching to a different server.
Cast
Joseph Fiennes
As Will Shakespeare
Gwyneth Paltrow
As Viola De Lesseps
Geoffrey Rush
As Philip Henslowe
Tom Wilkinson
As Hugh Fennyman
Judi Dench
As Queen Elizabeth
Imelda Staunton
As Nurse
Colin Firth
As Lord Wessex
Ben Affleck
As Ned Alleyn
Simon Callow
As Tilney
Steven Beard
As Makepeace
Jim Carter
As Ralph Bashford
Rupert Everett
As Christopher Marlowe
Martin Clunes
As Richard Burbage
Tim McMullan
As Frees
Joe Roberts
As John Webster
Antony Sher
As Dr. Moth
Georgie Glen
As Lady in Waiting
Nicholas Boulton
As Henry Condell
Barnaby Kay
As Nol
Mark Williams
As Wabash
Jill Baker
As Lady De Lesseps
Nicholas Le Prevost
As Sir Robert De Lesseps
Rebecca Charles
As Chambermaid
Bob Barrett
As George Bryan
Simon Day
As Taxi boatman
Bridget McConnell
As Lady in Waiting
Sandra Reinton
As Rosaline
Jason Round
As Tavern Actor
Rupert Farley
As Barman
Adam Barker
As First Auditionee
Harry Gostelow
As Second Auditionee
Alan Cody
As Third Auditionee
David Curtiz
As John Hemmings
Gregor Truter
As James Hemmings
Amber Glossop
As Scullery Maid
Robin Davies
As Master Plum
Hywel Simons
As Servant
Roger Morlidge
As James Armitage
Daniel Brocklebank
As Sam Gosse
Mark Saban
As Augustine Phillips
Timothy Kightley
As Edward Pope
Roger Frost
As Second Taxi Boatman
Rachel Clarke
As First Whore
Lucy Speed
As Second Whore
John Ramm
As Makepeace's Neighbour
Paul Bigley
As Peter
Patrick Barlow
As Will Kempe
Steven O'Donnell
As Lambert
John Inman
As Lady Capulet in Play
More