Horrible Histories team head to big screen

BBC Films is taking the stars of CBBC show Horrible Histories to the big screen in Bill, a new comedy film about Shakespeare – or how Bill became William.

“BILL is a comedy adventure for all the family. We’re playing with history, just as Shakespeare did, for the entertainment of the audience. And we like to think he’d be OK with it. Apart from the bit where he’s dressed as a tomato.” – Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond

The production, to begin filming later this year, takes six lead Horrible Histories actors – Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard, Ben Willbon – to star in Bill.

The actors will play multiple roles in the comedy, in the style of the Python films. Bill tells the story of 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. Can one man prove the quill is mightier than the sword?

“We’re thrilled that BBC Films is making the first film starring this team of incredibly talented and popular British comedy writers and performers,” comments Christine Langan, Head of BBC Films. “Horrible Histories has been a terrific success and is hugely popular with both kids and their parents. BILL will be a film for all the family to enjoy with original British talent telling a very funny story about Shakespeare.” – Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond

The fifth series of Children’s BBC’s Horrible Histories will air at the end of May.