

11/12/1998
Young William Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, 'Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter', before it's even written. When lovely noblewoman Viola de Lesseps auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love — and Shakespeare's play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship intensifies, the comedy soon transforms into tragedy.

Joseph Fiennes
as Will Shakespeare

Gwyneth Paltrow
as Viola De Lesseps

Geoffrey Rush
as Philip Henslowe

Tom Wilkinson
as Hugh Fennyman

Judi Dench
as Queen Elizabeth

Imelda Staunton
as Nurse

Colin Firth
as Lord Wessex

Ben Affleck
as Ned Alleyn

Simon Callow
as Tilney

Steven Beard
as Makepeace

Jim Carter
as Ralph Bashford

Rupert Everett
as Christopher Marlowe

Martin Clunes
as Richard Burbage

Tim McMullan
as Frees

Joe Roberts
as John Webster

Antony Sher
as Dr. Moth

Georgie Glen
as Lady in Waiting

Nicholas Boulton
as Henry Condell

Barnaby Kay
as Nol

Mark Williams
as Wabash

Jill Baker
as Lady De Lesseps

Nicholas Le Prevost
as Sir Robert De Lesseps

Rebecca Charles
as Chambermaid

Bob Barrett
as George Bryan

Simon Day
as Taxi boatman

Bridget McConnell
as Lady in Waiting

Sandra Reinton
as Rosaline

Jason Round
as Tavern Actor

Rupert Farley
as Barman

Adam Barker
as First Auditionee

Harry Gostelow
as Second Auditionee

Alan Cody
as Third Auditionee

David Curtiz
as John Hemmings

Gregor Truter
as James Hemmings

Amber Glossop
as Scullery Maid

Robin Davies
as Master Plum

Hywel Simons
as Servant

Roger Morlidge
as James Armitage

Daniel Brocklebank
as Sam Gosse

Mark Saban
as Augustine Phillips

Timothy Kightley
as Edward Pope

Roger Frost
as Second Taxi Boatman

Rachel Clarke
as First Whore

Lucy Speed
as Second Whore

John Ramm
as Makepeace's Neighbour

Paul Bigley
as Peter

Patrick Barlow
as Will Kempe

Steven O'Donnell
as Lambert

John Inman
as Lady Capulet in Play
20 Movies Similar