BBC Two announced the commission of Upstart Crow, a new comedy about the life of William Shakespeare written by Ben Elton.

David Mitchell (Peep Show) will star as Shakespeare in the six-part series, which is part of the BBC Shakespeare Festival 2016.

The cast also includes Harry Enfield (Harry & Paul) as Will’s dad, John Shakespeare; Paula Wilcox (Emmerdale) as Will’s mum; Liza Tarbuck (Mount Pleasant) as Anne Hathaway; Helen Monks (Raised by Wolves) as Will’s daughter Susannah; Gemma Whelan (Game of Thrones) as Kate; Mark Heap (Spaced) as Sir Robert Greene, Will’s nemesis; Steve Speirs (Big School) as Burbage; Tim Downie (Paddington) as Marlowe; Dominic Coleman (Trollied) as Kempleton; Spencer Jones (Big Babies) as a member of Burbage’s company; and Rob Rouse (Grownups) as Bottom.

The official synopsis for Upstart Crow reads: “It’s 1592 and Will Shakespeare is just at the beginning of his extraordinary career. The series will focus on both Will’s family and professional life and include the surprising stories of where many of his ideas came from. Also featured are his wife Anne and his extended family, his servant Bottom, his friends Kate and Marlowe, his theatrical troupe, and his rival Robert Greene.

“In the series, Will finds inspiration for Romeo from an unlikely source; mislays a nearly treasonous masterpiece; gets tricked into a very embarrassing pair of tights; has a spot of bother with the wife over some sonnets; meets three witches who predict great things for him; and borrows some money on some rather unusual conditions.”

Blackadder writer Ben Elton commented: “I have tried very hard to think myself into Shakespeare’s creative world, writing only with a small chicken feather and not changing my underpants for a year.”

David Mitchell added: “I’m delighted to be playing England’s greatest bard at this difficult time for bards everywhere. You just try getting work as a bard these days. It’s virtually impossible.”

A major season celebrating the genius of Shakespeare, 400 years after his death, BBC Shakespeare Festival 2016 aso includes the next extraordinary instalment of The Hollow Crown, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Judi Dench, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream from Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies, which stars Maxine Peake, Matt Lucas, Bernard Cribbins, Elaine Paige and Richard Wilson.

David Tennant will also host a live birthday celebration from the Royal Shakespeare Company, featuring some of the biggest names of stage, screen and song.

Are you looking forward to Upstart Crow? Let us know below…