When is Upstart Crow on BBC Two tonight, who is in the cast with David Mitchell and what’s it about?
The BBC comedy focusing on the life and work of William Shakespeare will this season feature a cameo from Noel Fielding
By Beth Allcock
GET set to snigger to some Shakespeare as the third series of Upstart Crow continues tonight.
The BBC Two show's Christmas special stars Peep Show funnyman David Mitchell and here's the lowdown on the rib-tickling programme.
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David Mitchell returns as William Shakespeare for the third series of Upstart CrowCredit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture
What is Upstart Crow and when does it air?
A little confused by the title Upstart Crow? FYI, It's more to do with The Bard, than birds.
This hilarious show inspired by Elizabethan playwright William Shakespeare and set from 1592, has had fans squealing with laughter with its first two series.
The Christmas special of the show - A Crow Christmas Carol - is on BBC2 on Christmas Day at 8:35pm.
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The BBC comedy tracks the life and work of the Bard in the Elizabethan eraCredit: BBC
What is an Upstart Crow?
This quirky term is a snippet from a quote, which reads: "An upstart Crow, beautified with our feathers."
The words form part of a critique by Shakespeare's rival, Robert Greene, in his work Groats-Worth Of Wit.
In the BBC drama, Robert Greene is played by Mark Heap.
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Liza Tarbuck, right, plays Anne Hathaway
Who stars in Upstart Crow?
Peep Show comedian David Mitchell again takes the lead with sharp quips and historical puns as William Shakespeare himself, while actress Liza Tarbuck plays his wife Anne Hathaway.
This time around, he will be joined by stand-up Harry Enfield, who plays Shakespeare's father.
Last year, new Great British Bake Off judge Noel Fielding had made a one-off guest appearance as a Tudor songwriter.
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Funnyman Harry Enfield will star in this year's seriesCredit: BBC
What happened in the first series of Upstart Crow?
The action kicked off in the late 16th Century and followed Shakespeare as he penned his stage classic Romeo and Juliet.
Each episode gave a nod to a specific play and ended with William discussing the plotlines with wife Anne.
Themes of casual sexism and references to Shakespeare's frequent journeys between London and Stratford underpinned the hilarity.
Speaking of his character, David told : “He’s had some success and we know he will make it but he doesn’t.
"He is up against it as there’s pressure to write more plays, his transport problems intensify, his wife Anne [Liza Tarbuck] wants him at home more and his teenage daughter Susannah [Helen Monks] wants to meet boys .
"So Will tries to help with his usual ‘disguising boys as girls’ plotting style!”
