Shakespeare

Do you know why Shakespeare's plays are still so popular today?

In this section, watch our special Shakespeare videos for upper intermediate (CEFR level B2) learners. Listen to actors talking about the modern relevance of Shakespeare and find out about some of his most famous characters and plays, as well as about Shakespeare himself.

You will improve your listening comprehension and learn some useful language from the video. Each video has interactive exercises and a transcript to help you understand and use the language.

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Hamlet 1: His Father's Ghost

Hamlet returns home to find his father has died. Zimbabwean actor Tonderai Munyevu explains how Hamlet is about a man who has to figure out what happened while he was away.

Hamlet 2: A Bad Death

Hamlet knows who killed his father, but what should he do? Tonderai Munyevu explains why Hamlet was right to take his time before trying to make things right.

Juliet 1: Falling in Love

What do teenagers find so compelling about Romeo and Juliet? British actor Jade Anouka explains what British teenagers taught her about playing Juliet.

Juliet 2: Feisty, Funny and Determined

Juliet is just like teenage girls today! Jade Anouka explains the insights she gained from playing Juliet in the Middle East.

Lady Macbeth 1: Top Dog

How does Lady Macbeth get exactly what she wants from her husband? British actress Shaheen Khan shows how Macbeth's wife gets him right where she wants him.

Lady Macbeth 2: Unchecked Ambition

What does Macbeth show us about getting ahead? Shaheen Khan shares what she learned from playing Lady Macbeth and how performing in Asia helped her find comedy in Shakespeare's most...

London 1: Piece by Piece

How did Shakespeare make it big in London? Find out as actor and producer Ben Crystal explores the places in London where Shakespeare worked.

London 2: A Penny for the Yard

What was it like to watch one of Shakespeare's plays in the 1600s? Join Ben Crystal on his visit to Shakespeare's Globe, a reproduction of the original Globe Theatre in London.

Much Ado 1: A Beautiful Trick

Why is Much Ado About Nothing one of Shakespeare's most popular plays? British-Japanese actress Susan Hingley talks about the brilliant trick her character Hero plays on Beatrice.

Much Ado 2: Fun to Play

Why is Much Ado About Nothing so popular around the world? Susan Hingley explains why a play set in Italy is loved by Japanese audiences.

Stratford 1: Shakespeare, Glove Maker

How did the son of a small-town glove maker come to write the greatest plays in the world? Join actor and producer Ben Crystal as he explores Shakespeare's early years in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Stratford 2: The Lost Years

What inspired Shakespeare to write? Ben Crystal continues his visit to Stratford-upon-Avon, learning about Shakespeare's education, marriage and the 'lost years' before he moved to London.

The Tempest 1: Bigger than me

Why do Shakespeare's plays attract audiences around the world? British actor James Garnon explains how Shakespeare's verse and expressions have captured the hearts of so many people.

The Tempest 2: Greed, Wrath and Lust

Why does Caliban in The Tempest choose forgiveness and mercy over revenge? James Garnon explains his choice, as well as when children can start seeing Shakespeare plays.

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