Shakespeare in Love

Love is the only inspiration.

Young Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter," before it's even written. When a lovely noblewoman auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love -- and his play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship progresses, Shakespeare's comedy soon transforms into tragedy.

Joseph Fiennes

Will Shakespeare

Gwyneth Paltrow

Viola De Lesseps

Geoffrey Rush

Philip Henslowe

Tom Wilkinson

Hugh Fennyman

Judi Dench

Queen Elizabeth

Imelda Staunton

Nurse

Colin Firth

Lord Wessex

Ben Affleck

Ned Alleyn

Simon Callow

Tilney

Steven Beard

Makepeace

Jim Carter

Ralph Bashford

Rupert Everett

Christopher Marlowe

Martin Clunes

Richard Burbage

Tim McMullan

Frees

Joe Roberts

John Webster

Antony Sher

Dr. Moth

Georgie Glen

Lady in Waiting

Nicholas Boulton

Henry Condell