An elderly magician, Prospero, lives on an almost deserted island with his daughter Miranda, servant Ariel and slave Caliban - but their lives change after the men who exiled Prospero are cast ashore following a tempest.

Set during the English Civil War, Viola is parted from her twin Sebastian in a shipwreck, she poses as a manservant to Duke Orsino but comical confusion arises when the Duke uses her as a go-between to woo the beautiful Olivia.

The great Roman general returns from the wars in triumph but is comprehensively outmaneuvered by wily politicians, and his family pays a ghastly price for his naïveté.

Although a mighty warrior on the battlefield, Caius Martius Coriolanus finds himself comprehensively outmaneuvered when he turns to politics.

With the Wars of the Roses well underway, loyalties are challenged and the crown passed back and forth from Henry to Edward, his would-be successor. But Edward's younger brother Richard has ambitions of his own...

A quiet housewife and charwoman is abused and exploited by just about everybody, including her daughter-in-law.

The King of Sicily is convinced his wife is guilty of adultery with his close friend Polixenes. He imprisons her and tries to kill Polixenes, setting in motion a train of events.

The romantic complications of various residents of Renaissance Italy, notably the two young gentlemen Proteus and Valentine.

[This program reflects the broadcast standards, language and attitudes of its time. Some viewers may find this content offensive.] Tensions boil over during Beverly Moss’ neighborly soirée. Meanwhile, a guest’s teen daughter is throwing her own party.

Following French military successes, Henry's hold over his kingdom begins to slip, and his court splits into two warring factions. Meanwhile, a revolutionary insurrection by a disaffected Kentish mob threatens to bring anarchy to London.