The six lead Horrible Histories cast members – Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond – wil appear in multiple roles, in the style of the Python films.

Filming later this year, Bill tells the story of “how hopeless lute player Bill Shakespeare leaves his family and home to follow his dream. It’s a tale of murderous kings, spies, lost loves, and a plot to blow up Queen Elizabeth.  Can one man prove the quill is mightier than the sword?”

Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond commented: “Bill is a comedy adventure for all the family. We’re playing with history, just as Shakespeare did, for the entertainment of the audience. And we like to think he’d be OK with it. Apart from the bit where he’s dressed as a tomato.”

Christine Langan, Head of BBC Films added: “We’re thrilled that BBC Films is making the first film starring this team of incredibly talented and popular British comedy writers and performers. Horrible Histories has been a terrific success and is hugely popular with both kids and their parents. Bill will be a film for all the family to enjoy with original British talent telling a very funny story about Shakespeare.”

> Buy the Horrible Histories Complete Series 1-3 boxset on Amazon.

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