Shakespeare in Love is a romantic comedy for the 1990's set in the 1590's, telling the witty, sexy story behind the creation of the greatest love story of them all - Romeo and Juliet. Young Will Shakespeare is the up and coming playwright of the time but has been disastrously struck by the bane of the writer's life - writer's block. His comedy "Romeo and Ethe the Pirate's Daughter" is not going anywhere and the playhouse is under threat of closure. What Will needs is a mus - and she appears in the form of the beatiful (and betrothed) Lady Viola.

The path of true love doesn't run smooth for Will, however - Viola is engaged to be married to the insufferable Lord Wessex (Colin Firth) at the command of Queen Elizabeth (Judi Dench). The joys and tragedy of his own life find their way onto the page in a moving, witty and spellbinding tale.

Shakespeare in Love is a brilliantly funny, warm and fast moving romance from acclaimed director John Madden (Mrs Brown).