Upstart Crow

Upstart Crow is a charming British sitcom that aired on BBC America from 2016 to 2020. The series is a whimsical, delightfully rib-tickling historical comedy crafted by renowned comedy writer Ben Elton, renowned for other timeless classics such as "The Young Ones" and “Blackadder." He is celebrated for his knack of infusing humor and satire into historical contexts.

This sitcom is a witty take on the trials and tribulations faced by the greatest playwright the world has ever seen - William Shakespeare. The name Upstart Crow is a nod to an insulting review targeted at Shakespeare by his peer and rival, Robert Greene, implying that he is an uneducated upstart craving social acceptance and literary fame.

In Upstart Crow, David Mitchell gives life to a lovable, somewhat bumbling, but nonetheless erudite William Shakespeare, depicted in his struggling rather than his accomplished phase. Mitchell's character is a grounded and relatable 'Will', trying to balance the life of a family man in Stratford-Upon-Avon and an aspiring playwright in London, making him a far cry from the ultimate poetic genius he is known as today.

The semi-historical characters from Shakespeare's own life that find mention in Upstart Crow include his wife Anne Hathaway, his parents John and Mary Shakespeare, and his daughter Susanna, among others. Then there are the figures from his professional life – Greene, his flailing actor friend Kempe, the oft-haughty Elizabethan audience, and an eye-rolling Queen Elizabeth. His plays, too, inspire a host of other dramatis personae, giving the series a diverse range of characters and situations.

While the storyline follows Shakespeare's endeavors to succeed in London's theatrical world and as a playwright, it weaves numerous references from his vast array of plays, sonnets, and poems seamlessly into its puns, dialogues, and situations. Shakespearean scholars and lovers of his literature might thus find the comedy doubly enriching.

However, one does not need prior Shakespearean knowledge to enjoy Upstart Crow. The show pokes fun at the Elizabethan era, its people and their peculiarities. It jovially critiques their views of women, the class system, and norms that seem absurd today. It also reimagines the ways in which Shakespeare could have come up with the plots of his plays – inspired by real-life situations or simply by his perennial search for a good story.

Veteran actor and comedienne Liza Tarbuck portrays Anne Hathaway in the show, a strong woman often seen toying wittily with her husband's intelligence. Harry Enfield and Paula Wilcox play as Will's illiterate parents, an enormous contrast to their immensely gifted son. Gemma Whelan, from "Game of Thrones," is Kate, a fictional character who constantly challenges the gender conventions of the time.

What sets Upstart Crow apart is its inspired blend of Shakespeare's elevated language with modern English and how it creates humor through the clever manipulation of language and expression. Further, hilarious anachronistic scenarios and uncanny parallels to modern society make it truly charmingly comical.

The folksy setting, intelligent humor, and fantastic performances of the cast make this show a pure joy to watch. The cleverly concealed nuggets and easter eggs from Shakespeare's works are fun to uncover for literature buffs. Still, they never dwarf the laughter for those unfamiliar with them. All in all, Upstart Crow is a well-crafted show that is sure to touch the heart of everyone who loves good comedy, history, or literature.

Over the course of its tenure from 2016-2020, Upstart Crow was highly appreciated by viewers and critics alike for its unique concept, engaging dialogues, and brilliant performances, cleverly illustrating how modern culture can often be tied back to the past. This smart and sophisticated show is not just a tribute to the bard but also serves as a witty critique of our own times, making viewers laugh as they recognize parts of their world in the absurdity of Elizabethan England.

So whether you're a well-versed fan of Shakespearean works, a casual viewer fond of lighthearted comedy, a history enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys well-scripted shows with excellent performances, Upstart Crow has something for everyone.