BILL, the hilarious tale of William Shakespeare as you’ve never seen him before, is available to buy now on bluray & DVD.

BILL, filmed in the region with investment from Screen Yorkshire’s Yorkshire Content Fund, tells the story of what really happened during Shakespeare’s ‘Lost Years’ – how hopeless lute player Bill Shakespeare leaves his family and home to follow his dream. It’s a tale of murderous kings, spies, lost loves, and a plot to blow up Queen Elizabeth!

BILL filmed primarily in York, at locations including York Minster, Treasurers House, St Williams College, St Helen’s Square, Marske-by-the-Sea, Barkers Tower, Tanner’s Moat and Chapter House Street. Other filming locations included Danes Dyke, Flamborough, Skipton Castle, Wykeham Lakes, Scarborough, Selby Abbey and Bolton Castle.

BILL is a hilarious romp through Elizabethan era England that showcases the jewels in the crown of Yorkshire’s period filming locations. Featuring an award winning team and cast, it will delight and entertain audiences of all ages.

Hugo Heppell, Head of Investments, Screen Yorkshire

Image © Nick Wall

BILL stars the BAFTA Award-winning lead cast of BBC TV’s Horrible Histories and Sky One’s Yonderland – Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond – who together play 40 roles in the film. The cast is joined by award-winning actress Helen McCrory (Skyfall, Harry Potter) and Damian Lewis (‘Homeland’, ‘Band of Brothers’).

Co-owner of Vertigo Releasing, Rupert Preston, said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be releasing BILL and are very excited to be working with such an exceptionally talented team. It’s a fantastic film and a wonderful addition to our slate.”

The script is written by Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond, directed by Richard Bracewell (The Gigolos). A Cowboy Films / Punk Cinema production, the film is produced by Charles Steel, Alasdair Flind and Tony Bracewell.

Image © Nick Wall

BILL has been developed and funded by BBC Films, with the BFI’s Lottery Fund, Screen Yorkshire through its Yorkshire Content Fund and LipSync.

Creative England also supported BILL through extensive locations and crewing services, with Creative England’s Production Liaison Manager Chris Hordley working closely with the production team to kickstart their filming in the region.

BILL is available to buy on DVD & Bluray now

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