I came across this on TV a couple of weeks ago, and I was surprised by how funny it was. I wasn't aware at the time that it was from the writer of "Blackadder", but it certainly shows in the quality. The cleverest thing is the dialogue. It's a great mix of Shakespearean phrases and modern English brilliantly rolled into one. The jokes are very funny, and the cast well-chosen (Mitchell is excellent as Shakespeare). If you haven't seen this, I'd recommend checking it out. It's well-worth your time if you like British Comedy.
70 Reviews
It's grown on me
Sleepin_Dragon21 May 2016
I've read the other (negative) review on here, and I sympathise, I can understand how this show isn't going to be to everyone's taste, but I enjoyed it on second watch, and have enjoyed subsequent episodes. I get the impression that there's been an attempt to recreate Blackadder, the visuals, ideas and setup, are very similar to Blackadder's early years. Naturally Upstart Crow doesn't come close to the great Blackadder, but it's still a worthy attempt, and has certain merits of its own. My main criticism of this is the hideous use of canned laughter, at times it is unbearable, a semi joke, and the audience are laughing hysterically, it doesn't help. I've always been a fan of David Mitchell's brand of comedy, the supporting cast are fun, I think it's quite underrated.
funny, classic Elton
bentos-668788 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I love this show, it is witty and contains a lot of puns, play upon words, ... it has a lot of recurring jokes, e,g, the extremely bad coach service, which is of course British rail, which is a running gag in itself. I absolutely love Mitchell's ranting about it, and about the oxbridge ruled England. This show also has a lot of references to contemporary "evils of modern society" like the new found printing which will ruin young peoples minds. Obvious a reference to social media and it is nice to see Mitchell getting his rant on ....
You have to be familiar with UK politics, with Shakespeare's plays, his poetry and the general criticism to get some of the references (which I don't always get). this is high brow comedy and a galaxy removed from the usual British comedy u see nowadays on the television.
I think it is funny that Elton mocks that a lot of Shakepeare's jokes cannot be understood without footnotes (or Shakespeare explaining them in the show) but the jokes he makes in the show are sometimes only funny for shakespearean scholars and hence need explaining. Luckily for us, the common folks, there is the internet where we can google why a certain phrase was funny.
You have to be familiar with UK politics, with Shakespeare's plays, his poetry and the general criticism to get some of the references (which I don't always get). this is high brow comedy and a galaxy removed from the usual British comedy u see nowadays on the television.
I think it is funny that Elton mocks that a lot of Shakepeare's jokes cannot be understood without footnotes (or Shakespeare explaining them in the show) but the jokes he makes in the show are sometimes only funny for shakespearean scholars and hence need explaining. Luckily for us, the common folks, there is the internet where we can google why a certain phrase was funny.
Brilliant!
garyhbradley3 February 2019
Yes, there are some references, including 'Bob' making an entrance, but it's disappointing that UC is down-rated by those who see it as a Blackadder series.
The dialogue is tight and fast-paced, makes great play with the absurdities of A level study and intersects with several historical and modern day themes, particularly as Southern Rail which is hilarious.
The cast are all excellent, whether playing straight or hamming it up. David Mitchel is a real surprise and Mark Heap is delightfully awful as the nasty, conniving, petulant, supercilious Robert Greene. However, Gemma Whelan is simply superb. She switches acting mode with incredible ease, delivers lines with extraordinary dexterity and pace and is captivating when reciting verse.
The live audience obviously enjoy the performances most heartily and the actors deftly weave around the spontaneous guffawing, This only adds to the timing and pace of the acting.
Ben Elton has done his homework and ought to get an armful of awards for it.
Please don't compare this to Blackadder. Take it as an intelligent, well acted farcical mickey take of Shakespeare and you'll get it. A first class production.
The dialogue is tight and fast-paced, makes great play with the absurdities of A level study and intersects with several historical and modern day themes, particularly as Southern Rail which is hilarious.
The cast are all excellent, whether playing straight or hamming it up. David Mitchel is a real surprise and Mark Heap is delightfully awful as the nasty, conniving, petulant, supercilious Robert Greene. However, Gemma Whelan is simply superb. She switches acting mode with incredible ease, delivers lines with extraordinary dexterity and pace and is captivating when reciting verse.
The live audience obviously enjoy the performances most heartily and the actors deftly weave around the spontaneous guffawing, This only adds to the timing and pace of the acting.
Ben Elton has done his homework and ought to get an armful of awards for it.
Please don't compare this to Blackadder. Take it as an intelligent, well acted farcical mickey take of Shakespeare and you'll get it. A first class production.
Bubbly
ekudlicki6 January 2020
In a time when too many television comedies have become filled with formulaic stereotypes, Upstart Crow presents a funny show that doesn't talk down to the audience. I love the insider references to past shows such as Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin and Will's constant complaints about travel from London via coach. I love the creative language and the hints of prescience that come in as well as references to ideas that get scuttled or titles that get changed. The character of Green absolutely eats up the scenery, but there are wonderful low key performances from all of the characters. I have not enjoyed a series as much since the Elizabethan era BlackAdder or perhaps Fawlty Towers.
Genuinely funny
Lodgerina7 June 2016
This is a genuinely funny show that actually makes me laugh out loud - quite a rare thing for comedies these days which tend to be more low- key. It has a great cast and they look as though they're really enjoying themselves, which is infectious. I'm no Shakespeare buff, so I expect some of the references pass me by, but I enjoy the ones I do get and appreciated learning something about the sonnets in episode 4.
For those complaining about 'canned laughter', the series was recorded in front of a live studio audience and it's them you can hear. You may think they're laughing at things you don't find funny, but that's a different issue.
I'm sorry there's only one more episode to go and really hope the BBC commissions a second series.
For those complaining about 'canned laughter', the series was recorded in front of a live studio audience and it's them you can hear. You may think they're laughing at things you don't find funny, but that's a different issue.
I'm sorry there's only one more episode to go and really hope the BBC commissions a second series.
Worthy of the Bard
marydm-4347023 April 2019
Shakespeare would have loved this. The high spirits and high jinks of this frenetically paced production never flag. Every single scene is a highlight.
The repartee is inspired. Insults and jokes fly forth relentlessly. The language is a revelation: using metaphor to mock the Bard's endless use of metaphor, having characters other than Will himself see potential scenarios for plays in the circumstances surrounding the. where he sees none: a hint at Shakespeare's perennial looting of other people's stories for his plays? Using political incorrectness, the role of women, to mock political correctness.
The actors are all magnificent, Mitchell as Will, of course, and the actors playing Greene, Will's nemesis, and Marlowe, his pal Kit who gets Will to write his plays, are particularly good, very very impressive.
The famous sonnets also get lampooned. Brit comedy at its richest, wittiest and most effective. Better than Blackadder.
Lots of fun!
eric-83918 June 2019
We've been enjoying this show quite a bit. It can be uneven, but there are usually quite a few good laughs. And the more Shakespeare you know, the better! I doubt a show like this could ever make it in the US; kudos to the Beeb for continuing to take chances with content that demands something of its audience.
And we LOVE the little animations. Whoever thought of that is brilliant!
And we LOVE the little animations. Whoever thought of that is brilliant!
Takes time to grow
riggo-735039 August 2019
A good solid start
tlloydesq10 November 2016
Upstart Crow marks a bit of a revival for Ben Elton. Without actually restoring him to the top of the comic writers league it has to be said. If you can see Ben's career faltering after Blackadder, next was "The Thin Blue Line" where the standard dropped quite a bit. After that things became unwatchable. Let's say "Upstart Crow" gets Ben back up to "The Thin Blue Line".
To achieve this Ben has pretty much returned to Blackadder territory, this time he is investigating Shakespeare with a few nods to the modern age. Each show is split into 3 parts – the real story is book ended by scenes set in Will's home and are pretty bland. A few star names (Harry Enfield, Liza Tarbuck and Paula Wilcox) to stick on the advertising hoardings but precious little to amuse. The major activity is either in Will's London residence or the pub down the road.
You just can't escape the Balckadder comparisons though and. let's be fair though, we are comparing this programme with one of the classic comedies of the 1980s. Not many since have equalled that show. Ben Elton writes his parts in particular styles and the Shakespeare role is Rowan Atkinson. David Mitchell may be a fine actor but he cannot channel Atkinson. I can see Atkinson extracting every ounce of humour out of some of the diatribes which sounds ordinary from a mere mortal. Other characters evoke those from Blackadder 2 and are quite pedestrian but develop over the course of the series. I do though like the Ricky Gervais mimic. A bit of vitriol from Ben? If so...more please!
These are the obvious observations but how is the show as a whole? A knowledge of Shakespeare would help but I don't know much about the bard and I found the show pretty good. In spite of the criticisms the cast carry off decent, but not great, roles. Each show contains a gentle dig at luvvie actors and there is a lot of genuine humour on board. The stories are simply mechanisms to wrap around a number of sketches. A mechanism which works.
Very few comedies hit the bullseye in the first series and I think there is plenty to work with here. I hope that there is a second series and Ben can gear the dialogue to the actors at his disposal. Let's remember "The Blackadder" didn't exactly predict the glories to come. That was before they took on board an upcoming new writer...oh yeah. Ben Elton.
To achieve this Ben has pretty much returned to Blackadder territory, this time he is investigating Shakespeare with a few nods to the modern age. Each show is split into 3 parts – the real story is book ended by scenes set in Will's home and are pretty bland. A few star names (Harry Enfield, Liza Tarbuck and Paula Wilcox) to stick on the advertising hoardings but precious little to amuse. The major activity is either in Will's London residence or the pub down the road.
You just can't escape the Balckadder comparisons though and. let's be fair though, we are comparing this programme with one of the classic comedies of the 1980s. Not many since have equalled that show. Ben Elton writes his parts in particular styles and the Shakespeare role is Rowan Atkinson. David Mitchell may be a fine actor but he cannot channel Atkinson. I can see Atkinson extracting every ounce of humour out of some of the diatribes which sounds ordinary from a mere mortal. Other characters evoke those from Blackadder 2 and are quite pedestrian but develop over the course of the series. I do though like the Ricky Gervais mimic. A bit of vitriol from Ben? If so...more please!
These are the obvious observations but how is the show as a whole? A knowledge of Shakespeare would help but I don't know much about the bard and I found the show pretty good. In spite of the criticisms the cast carry off decent, but not great, roles. Each show contains a gentle dig at luvvie actors and there is a lot of genuine humour on board. The stories are simply mechanisms to wrap around a number of sketches. A mechanism which works.
Very few comedies hit the bullseye in the first series and I think there is plenty to work with here. I hope that there is a second series and Ben can gear the dialogue to the actors at his disposal. Let's remember "The Blackadder" didn't exactly predict the glories to come. That was before they took on board an upcoming new writer...oh yeah. Ben Elton.
Intelligent historical comical review
jose-viegas5 February 2017
This is a very intelligent show. Not everyone will be able to find the humour on it. It uses a lot of sarcasm and pictures the Shakespearean era with a lot of parallels to current days. The way it describes the public transportation delays and problems, we can always relate to what happens nowadays. One of the characters I can relate directly with Ricky Gervais personas (don't know why :) ). The critics about women's role in the society, political and government laws are always amusing. The way it dismantles Shakespeare work and how it should be interpreted is hilarious. In summary, if you like the intelligent English humour, and wish to learn a little bit more about Shakespeare life on a very flexible way...it is a must.
I wasn't sure at first but now i like it
drbarx197618 March 2019
When I watched the first couple of episodes of this show I wasn't sure about it. The jokes seemed a bit too obvious and repetative and just generally not that funny, but as time has gone by the stories and humour seems to have gotten a bit stronger and the cast have eased into their roles. It's not a classic for the ages like Blackadder, but it is better than most of the BBC dirge that passes for Sitcom these days.
Less than the sum of its parts
goldenarrow-9982323 May 2018
This should be awesome.
The talent on display both in the cast and writing are impressive, reliable performers - David Mitchell, supported by ever-reliable Paula Wilcox, Liza Tarbuck and Harry Enfield.
The setup is prime for exploitation - we are familiar with the Elizabethan period and everyone knows a tiny amount about Shakespeare.
But it never really fully ignites - the feuds, snipes, clever asides etc do their job but it just seems to stroll along in 4th gear.
Much has been said about the 'canned laughter' - all I'll say is that it does sound like it's fake- if it is genuine then the audience must be the dribbling mekons that usually sit in ITV audiences, certainly not BBC 2!
The talent on display both in the cast and writing are impressive, reliable performers - David Mitchell, supported by ever-reliable Paula Wilcox, Liza Tarbuck and Harry Enfield.
The setup is prime for exploitation - we are familiar with the Elizabethan period and everyone knows a tiny amount about Shakespeare.
But it never really fully ignites - the feuds, snipes, clever asides etc do their job but it just seems to stroll along in 4th gear.
Much has been said about the 'canned laughter' - all I'll say is that it does sound like it's fake- if it is genuine then the audience must be the dribbling mekons that usually sit in ITV audiences, certainly not BBC 2!
Canned Laughter
dt-816 March 2017
I find rather hard to believe that folk believe that there is canned laughter in this show. I also find it had to believe that someone who claims to have watched only 30 seconds of it can actually judge. I have attended 2 recordings of this rather clever show and can categorically state that the laughter is real laughter from real people sitting in their bums watching the actors sweating. Ben Elton is there throughout, pointing clues between takes for those not fully versed in Shakespeares. In fact in some of the breaks where characters have to make lengthy costume change he goes into long spiels about have British sit-coms are made and that laughter tracks are never used at the BBC.
Second series in now in the can - hopefully there will be a third.
Second series in now in the can - hopefully there will be a third.
Brilliant and hilarious
axe_hallorann17 November 2018
Ben Elton shines again in this brilliant and witty send-up of Shakespeare. Clever writing and acting that manages to make modern references within the Shakespearean context. Many ignorant fools complain about a laugh track, but the show is filmed with a studio audience. Others say it's a rip-off of Blackadder, but seeing as both shows are written, and created by, Ben Elton there's obviously going to be some similarities in humor. Please enjoy this wonderful comedy, and ignore the bleatings of imbeciles that have no knowledge about the subject they're mashing into their keyboard with Neanderthal fists.
Possibly the Worst Review Ever Written For a Good Show
vane1172 September 2016
I read the first 3 words of Dale R's review and knew immediately that the review was the worst thing ever written. It wasn't even a compete sentence! One might think it was unfair to only read 1/60th of his review - but Dale felt it was fair to judge the entire show based on 1/60th of the first episode . . .
Upstart Crow is light, but very enjoyable. Interesting blend of modern humor and 16th century life. Love the casting!
It definitely helps if you are familiar with the works of Shakespeare. Otherwise, you will miss many of the references made in each episode.
My favorite episode is "Love Is Not Love"
Upstart Crow is light, but very enjoyable. Interesting blend of modern humor and 16th century life. Love the casting!
It definitely helps if you are familiar with the works of Shakespeare. Otherwise, you will miss many of the references made in each episode.
My favorite episode is "Love Is Not Love"
Elton's territory, alas/hurrah!
Jellybeansucker15 September 2017
Why hath it took so long for a sitcomedy about our beloved bard to be born? Watch this and wonder why, as there are opportunities galore exploited for comedy gold and silver. Elton's forte is plundering easy mines like history or the police for sitcoms or modern world maladies like traffic congestion and slavish consumerism for his novels. And here it's the same jamboree for the former motormouth. And he doth fill his booties, verily.
Well enough researched as always for a broad statement making punchline grabbing comedy, hinting at a depth of understanding beneath that won't fool true authorities on the subject. Though he's learned the key points well enough as ever and been fairly true to history, or the disputed history and chronology of Shakespeare's works and the bits within passed off as his. The result is a pretty successful comic rendering of the lofty man of literature and his works.
Watchable, cleverish and funny especially for English lit and lang lovers. It suffers from Elton's usual excesses and limitations but lack of dialogue and plot and comedy targets have never been Eltonian flaws. If you like your sitcoms verbally busy, punchline heavy and narratively waspish then you will doubtless find 'infinite riches in a small room' watching this most excellent comedy.
Well enough researched as always for a broad statement making punchline grabbing comedy, hinting at a depth of understanding beneath that won't fool true authorities on the subject. Though he's learned the key points well enough as ever and been fairly true to history, or the disputed history and chronology of Shakespeare's works and the bits within passed off as his. The result is a pretty successful comic rendering of the lofty man of literature and his works.
Watchable, cleverish and funny especially for English lit and lang lovers. It suffers from Elton's usual excesses and limitations but lack of dialogue and plot and comedy targets have never been Eltonian flaws. If you like your sitcoms verbally busy, punchline heavy and narratively waspish then you will doubtless find 'infinite riches in a small room' watching this most excellent comedy.
funny but off-putting canned laughter
dsfwest14 January 2017
Why do they have to spoil this by adding canned laughter? It is the most distracting and pointless addition. Even my 13 year old daughter thinks its utterly pointless. In fact I have turned the sound off and watching with sub-titles so I don't have to suffer it.
What on earth induces a programme maker think that it adds anything to a viewers enjoyment. Do they think we are all so stupid that we don't know when to find something funny?
I thought this sort of thing had been relegated to pre teen American shows on Nickelodeon not the BBC.
Come on people, grow up and get rid of it!
What on earth induces a programme maker think that it adds anything to a viewers enjoyment. Do they think we are all so stupid that we don't know when to find something funny?
I thought this sort of thing had been relegated to pre teen American shows on Nickelodeon not the BBC.
Come on people, grow up and get rid of it!
Intelligent satire with a healthy dose of truth
sykespj22 March 2020
I am a bit perplexed as to why so many find canned laughter offensive. When Red Dwarf did a few shows with no laugh track at all many fans complained bitterly. This show is smart and funny. It took a couple of episodes to really get going, but when it did it took off. As an ex-teacher who used to use an old Vincent Price movie to get kids into Shakespeare, I wish I had this around in my day.
PS: It is nothing like Blackadder.
PS: It is nothing like Blackadder.
Tries too hard for its laughs
Gotrek_Fabian25 December 2017
Those who see this as an intelligent form of comedy will, no doubt, vote this review down but this is not intelligent humour just because it is masked by 'an Olde English' script and is written about the life of the most lauded playwright of all time.
I have tried to like this sitcom which is based on the life of Shakespeare and his family but rarely find myself laughing with any gusto. Most of the wit in this show comes from the use of English as used in the 16th century coupled with a modern crude terminology or a reference to an incident in today's timeline (such as stagecoaches used in place of current public transport) but it just doesn't give me a feeling of comedy. Instead this gives me the feeling that this is trying so hard to witch the formula and successes of Ben Elton's classic historical comedy, Blackadder.
Harry Enfield's portrayal of Shakespeare's father is the highlight of the show for me which he delivers in a light slapstick style which meets with the simplistic nature of the character. Other members of the cast pass off their roles well for the most but it is the script that lacks rather than any performance. The inclusion of poetry and excerpts from the works of the great bard are a nice touch which people will likely enjoy whether they know the writing or not.
Sorry Ben Elton, this is your least enjoyable sitcom to date for me.
I have tried to like this sitcom which is based on the life of Shakespeare and his family but rarely find myself laughing with any gusto. Most of the wit in this show comes from the use of English as used in the 16th century coupled with a modern crude terminology or a reference to an incident in today's timeline (such as stagecoaches used in place of current public transport) but it just doesn't give me a feeling of comedy. Instead this gives me the feeling that this is trying so hard to witch the formula and successes of Ben Elton's classic historical comedy, Blackadder.
Harry Enfield's portrayal of Shakespeare's father is the highlight of the show for me which he delivers in a light slapstick style which meets with the simplistic nature of the character. Other members of the cast pass off their roles well for the most but it is the script that lacks rather than any performance. The inclusion of poetry and excerpts from the works of the great bard are a nice touch which people will likely enjoy whether they know the writing or not.
Sorry Ben Elton, this is your least enjoyable sitcom to date for me.
When does it get good?
rob-rainthorpe7 June 2021
Episode 1: one smirk.
Episode 2: erm. And a repeat of the "problem with traffic" bit that worryingly seems like it might become a running gag.
I'll stick with it because of Mr Mitchell (and because I've binged everything else this pandemic) but currently this feels like one of those 6:30pm Radio 4 comedies that have three laughs per season but get endlessly recommissioned. Or a children's program with more innuendo.
Episode 2: erm. And a repeat of the "problem with traffic" bit that worryingly seems like it might become a running gag.
I'll stick with it because of Mr Mitchell (and because I've binged everything else this pandemic) but currently this feels like one of those 6:30pm Radio 4 comedies that have three laughs per season but get endlessly recommissioned. Or a children's program with more innuendo.
Blackadder it ain't ...
AttyTude028 December 2017
... though everything - I mean, everything - is too derivative of the 198Os sitcom. The soundtrack, the set up, the elaborate figures of speech, pick anything. Mitchell's acting and manner of speaking, and even tone of voice, is obviously a copy of Rowan Atkinson's Edmund Blackadder. Bottom would be Baldrick. Marlowe would be Lord Falsheart, Lord Southampton will remind you of Lord Melchett, and on and on. I think Elton tried to revive Blackadder, but there are some successes that simply cannot be repeated.
Those who are not acquainted with Blackadder might like this (it has some funny moments, and they do make some clever ... well, play upon Shakespeare plays). But those of us who are fans of that incomparable comedy (I have the whole series and watch it at least once a year) cannot help making comparisons. And Upstart Crow is certainly the one that loses by the comparison.
Watch it and make up your own mind, by all means. I find it funny at times, but ... I'd much rather watch returns of Blackadder.
Those who are not acquainted with Blackadder might like this (it has some funny moments, and they do make some clever ... well, play upon Shakespeare plays). But those of us who are fans of that incomparable comedy (I have the whole series and watch it at least once a year) cannot help making comparisons. And Upstart Crow is certainly the one that loses by the comparison.
Watch it and make up your own mind, by all means. I find it funny at times, but ... I'd much rather watch returns of Blackadder.
As witty as the bard himself
izzymp7 May 2019
I stumbled across this gem the other day on netflix and I am so glad I did! It's absolutely wonderful, even though I'm pretty sure many of the jokes require a little more knowledge about Shakespeare and his work than I have. The combination of o so clever historical references and relatable digs at the UK public transport system make it enjoyable for anyone. It may not be revolutionary, and the plot is far from complex, but it sure is funny.
Ben Elton plays with history again.
berg-7453229 November 2019
Ben Elton has a unique gift of mining history for sitcom gold. I'm not sure anyone has ever taken the distant past and found a way to roast modern society and if someone has there's no way they could do it as well. The way he has taken the biggest literary conspiracy and played both sides of it would seem impossible until you see it. But the material would only be words without very talented performers that take it that next step and make it feel real. It's very hard picking who the clear standout is because each character really comes alive. David Mitchell is incredibly talented and I'm sure if he had a show that was him in a lawn chair with no dialogue he would somehow make it interesting. And while everyone really is amazing the two characters that stand out most to me are Mark Heap as Green who playing any other character the way he plays Green would be way over the top Is nail on the head stuff in this roll with every line he explodes with movement that adds to and not distracts from his performance. I despise Ricky Gervais and somehow he is still making a living making fun of mentally challenged people so my other standout has to be Spencer Jones as Kemp. I'm not sure why Ben Elton does not like Gervais but everything Kemp does and says is a nonstop roast of the unwelcome British import. If you know the Shakespeare conspiracy or not if you loved or hated Shakespeare in school really doesn't matter. This will go down alongside Black Adder as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.
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