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King Lear on Boxing Day

Francine Stock and guests recreate Shakespeare's festive 1606 premiere at Whitehall Palace before King James I. From December 2006.

On Boxing Day 1606, the entertainment offered to King James I and his guests at Whitehall Palace was a new play by William Shakespeare - King Lear.

Four hundred years on, Francine Stock and a studio full of guests, including actors Fiona Shaw and Oliver Ford Davis; scholars Jonathan Bate, Richard Dutton, Brett Dolman and Tiffany Stern; food historian Ivan Day and musicians Passamezzo (along with some distinguished contributors from the BBC Archives), bring to life every aspect of that momentous opening night.

1 hour, 30 minutes

Last on

Christmas Day 2016 04:00

Broadcasts

  • Sat 17 Oct 2015 06:00
  • Sat 17 Oct 2015 16:00
  • Sun 18 Oct 2015 04:00
  • Christmas Eve 2016 06:00
  • Christmas Eve 2016 16:00
  • Christmas Day 2016 04:00