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5. The Fading Pageant

Episode 5 of 5

William reflects on old age, writes King Lear and The Tempest - then after a fire, he leaves London. Concluded by Toby Stephens.

At 40, William starts to reflect on old age.

He finds inspiration for his play King Lear, writes his final work for the stage - The Tempest.

After the Globe is burnt down, he returns to Warwickshire and to his family.

Reconstructing the life, work and era of William Shakespeare.

Written by Stephen Greenblatt and abridged by Miranda Davies

Read by Toby Stephens

Excerpts read by:

Alice Hart
John Rowe

Producer: Emma Harding

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2004.

15 minutes

Last on

Sat 21 Dec 202403:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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4. Grief and The Globe

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