based on the screenplay by MARC NORMAN and TOM STOPPARD
adapted for the stage by LEE HALL

Struggling young playwright, Will Shakespeare, is tormented by writer’s block, working on his latest project – Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate’s Daughter.  That is, until he finds his Muse in the beautiful Viola de Lesseps, who secretly wishes to be an actor.  Their forbidden love draws many others – including Queen Elizabeth – into this often hilarious romantic drama, and inspires Will to write the greatest love story of all time.

Tom Stoppard and Marc Norman’s joyous screenplay won them an Oscar, as did the film itself.  Will and Viola were played by Joseph Fiennes and Gwyneth Paltrow.  Lee Hall (author of the musical Billy Elliott) adapted the screenplay into an instant, celebratory stage hit in London, in 2014.