In the sitcom (Series 2, Episode 6), titled " Sweet Sorrow ," William Shakespeare finishes writing Romeo and Juliet and faces the challenge of finding actors for the lead roles while securing a patron for his troupe. Plot Summary
: Kate desperately wants to play Juliet, but since "lady-acting" is illegal in Tudor England, she is barred from the stage. Will eventually plans to cast her in secret.
: Shakespeare's acting troupe is no longer part of the Lord Chamberlain's Men and needs a wealthy sponsor. Kit (Christopher Marlowe) suggests Lord Southampton, who famously hates traditional theater. To win him over, Will decides to write a "romantic tragedy"—a genre that supposedly has never been done before. Episode 06: Sweet Sorrow
: Burbage and Condell, the troupe's aging actors, both insist on playing the young leads, Romeo and Juliet. To avoid offending them, Will cleverly tricks them into believing the title roles have been changed to "Prince Escalus" and "the Nurse," leaving the lead spots open for younger actors.
: The episode ends with Will expressing hope that one day women will be allowed to act on stage, though Anne is skeptical about future gender pay gaps and stereotypical roles. In the sitcom (Series 2, Episode 6), titled
: Robert Greene attempts to force Kate into marriage with the wealthy (but elderly and "warty") Lord Egeus by threatening her, Will, and Bottom with eviction from their home. Kate refuses, maintaining she will only marry for love. Key Episode Facts
: The episode features references to Thomas Kyd’s The Spanish Tragedie and Christopher Marlowe’s Tamburlaine the Great . : Shakespeare's acting troupe is no longer part
: Written by Ben Elton and starring David Mitchell as Shakespeare. Upstart Crow Facts – Series 2 Episode 6 Sweet Sorrow