Movie
Shakespeare in Love
Love is the only inspiration.
Young William Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, 'Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter', before it's even written. When lovely noblewoman Viola de Lesseps auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love — and Shakespeare's play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship intensifies, the comedy soon transforms into tragedy.
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Checked Jul 22, 2026
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Synopsis
Young William Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, 'Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter', before it's even written. When lovely noblewoman Viola de Lesseps auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love — and Shakespeare's play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship intensifies, the comedy soon transforms into tragedy.
Cast, crew and production details
About Shakespeare in Love
Cast
Joseph FiennesWill Shakespeare
Gwyneth PaltrowViola De Lesseps
Geoffrey RushPhilip Henslowe
Tom WilkinsonHugh Fennyman
Judi DenchQueen Elizabeth
Imelda StauntonNurse
Colin FirthLord Wessex
Ben AffleckNed AlleynCredits
- Directed by
- John Madden
- Written by
- Tom Stoppard, Marc Norman
Production details
- Status
- Released
- Original language
- English
- Budget
- $25M
- Box office
- $289.3M
Production
MiramaxUnited States
Universal PicturesUnited States
Bedford Falls ProductionsUnited States
