Shakespeare & Hathaway

Shakespeare & Hathaway is a bright and comedic crime series from BritBox with a unique twist that combines both the contemporary style and classic shades of British television. Showcasing the idyllic yet colorful landscapes of the Warwickshire countryside, the series distinctly intertwines the overall narrative of the show with the rich, timeless literature themes inherited from the area’s renowned writer, William Shakespeare.

The show follows the unexpected duo of Luella Shakespeare and Frank Hathaway, two private investigators navigating through the charming yet deceivingly dangerous layers of local crime in the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, birthplace of the great Bard himself. Their pairing, an unorthodox and humorous partnership, forms the soul and wit of the series.

Ex-hairdresser Luella Shakespeare, played by Jo Joyner, is a newcomer to the world of detective work. After experiencing a catastrophic personal life event, Luella decides on a career shift and buys a private investigation agency. This buys her a ticket into a world filled with complex mysteries, lies, and uneasiness punctuated by surprising moments of crime. Her character, although a novice in the sphere of private investigation, brings a fresh perspective and determination that prove to be invaluable assets to the cases.

Her partner in crime-solving is the down-on-his-luck private investigator Frank Hathaway, portrayed by Mark Benton. A rugged and troublesome character, Frank is a seasoned, if not somewhat chaotic, detective. He effortlessly uses his wisdom, experience, and local knowledge to unravel the truth behind the cases. Despite his roguish character, his skills as an investigator often shine through, albeit sometimes reluctantly.

Their partnership, albeit comprising two entirely different people, creates an intriguing professional dynamic that drives the narrative of the series. Their interplay is characterized by a combination of wit, intellect, intuition, and humor which, when mashed together, result in a unique and amusing crime-solving duo.

As the series progresses, the duo stumbles upon a wide array of crimes that demand their combined skills to solve, including compelling mysteries, deceitful cover-ups, and intriguingly theatrical setups. While the cases are deeply rooted in the modern-day, the series also impressively displays a reverence for Shakespearean themes and narratives, providing a delightful treat for literary fans.

Each episode takes the audience on a 60-minute journey of mystery and resolution, beginning with a crime or a suspicious incident that requires the attention of the town’s unlikely heroes. Along the way, viewers are treated to a delicate balance of humor, drama, and suspense that effectively maintains the charm of British television.

Aside from the main protagonists, the series is also complemented by a robust lineup of supporting characters. Sebastian, Frank's dedicated, overly-dramatic, and Shakespeare-loving intern played by Patrick Walshe McBride, often steals the show with his flair for theater and dedication to his role.

Shakespeare & Hathaway features three successful seasons and is particularly unique for its ability to remain light-hearted, despite dealing with darker themes of crime. Its ability to provide a sense of escapism for its audience through its comedic relief, as well as providing an intellectual stimulation through its cleverly-crafted mysteries, sets it apart in the crime genre.

Besides its compelling narrative involving humor, mystery, and drama, the series also boasts rich visuals. The beautiful Warwickshire countryside serves as an inviting backdrop, providing a serene serenade to the dynamic, bustling activities of the town’s philosophical private investigators.

All in all, Shakespeare & Hathaway from BritBox combines stunning countryside visuals, sophisticated mysteries with intriguing plot twists, a colorful spectrum of characters, and a nuanced touch of Shakespearean charm, providing audiences with an enjoyably unique and distinctive experience set in the realm of British crime comedies.