LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST

LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST (1985)

BBC Release

A COMEDIE

In 1978, the BBC set itself the task of filming all of William Shakespeare’s plays for television. The productions, renowned for loyalty to the text, utilised the best theatrical and television directors and brought great performances from leading contemporary actors.

“Let us once lose our oaths to find ourselves, or else we lose ourselves to keep our oaths.”

When the King of Navarre and three of his lords vow to renounce women and devote themselves to study, they have forgotten the forthcoming arrival of the Princess of France and her attractive ladies-in-waiting. This production highlights Shakespeare’s satire of intellectual pride and pedantry, with wit and word-play driving the sparkling conflicts.

CAST

First billed only

• Jonathan Kent ... Ferdinand, King of Navarre
• Christopher Blake ... Longaville
• Geoffrey Burridge ... Dumain
• Mike Gwilym ... Berowne
• David Warner ... Don Armado
• John Kane ... Moth
• Paul Jesson ... Costard
• Frank Williams ... Dull
• Paddy Navin ... Jaquenetta
• Clifford Rose ... Boyet
• Maureen Lipman ... The Princess of France
• Katy Behean ... Maria
• Petra Markham ... Katharine
• Jenny Agutter ... Rosaline
• Jay Ruparelia ... Adrian
• John Burgess ... Sir Nathaniel
• John Wells ... Holofernes
• Valentine Dyall ... Marcade
• Linda Kitchen ... Spring
• Susanna Ross ... Winter

• Director: Elijah Moshinsky
• Produced: Shaun Sutton
• Adapted: William Shakespeare’s original play