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BBC Films, the standalone movie unit of the U.K. broadcaster is bringing the BAFTA-winning stars of hit BBC kids show Horrible Histories to the big screen in Bill, a new comedy film about William Shakespeare.
The script 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?
Scheduled to shoot later this year in the U.K., Bill is a Cowboy Films/Punk Cinema production for BBC Films and stars the six lead Histories cast Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickardand Ben Willbond.
Bill is penned by Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond, developed with BBC Films and will be directed by Richard Bracewell (The Gigolos).
Producers are Charles Steel at Cowboy Films (The Last King of Scotland) and Tony Bracewell and Bracewell at Punk Cinema.
Joe Oppenheimer at BBC Films will executive produce.
“We’re thrilled that BBC Films is making the first film starring this team of incredibly talented and popular British comedy writers and performers,” said BBC Films chief Christine Langan.
The fifth and final series of BBC TV’s Horrible Histories is scheduled to air at the end of May in the U.K.
The show has won five children’s BAFTAs to date and won a best children’s program plaudit at the Royal Television Society Awards.
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