Will was born, and died, today - the 23rd April; in 1564 and 1616 - as far as can be determined.

Records are scare, as he was not of noble birth. He was 52 when he died, having retired three years earlier to Stratford - the place of his birth.

38 plays are attributed to him and his work has been translated into all languages - and performed in every country.

With the possible exception of the magnificent Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford, the best place to watch Shakespearean drama today is in London.

At The Globe Theatre in Southwark - which is a replica of an original venue on the site; this was operated, during Shakespeare's lifetime - by his company.

The RSC tours the world - and almost any actor worth his salt (to use a Shakespearean term) - has been a member at some time in his/her career.

But many think the the Shakespearean workload was simply too great to be the work of one person.

Involving, as it did - detailed knowledge of the law, medicine, military affairs, court matters, the monarchy, history, military strategy etc.

WS also put on plays and performances in numerous locations, as well as running theatres - and acting companies; he frequently acted in his plays, as well.

The mystery is unlikely to be solved though - as only the lives of royalty, and the famous/infamous, were really documented at the time.


Not those of just another writer, businessman and impresario - who just happened to be revered much later.