Bill (2015)

2016 • 94 minutes

About this movie

Celebrate Shakespeare's 400th anniversary with this hilarious comedy about the playwright's mysterious lost years. Bill Shakespeare is a hapless lute player with a big dream. When his bandmates kick him out of their group, Bill leaves his wife and kids behind to seek fame and fortune in the big city of London. He's written a great work for the stage and he's certain he'll prove all his doubters wrong. Little does he know, however, his play is merely a guise for King Phillip II of Spain to try to steal the throne of his mortal enemy, Queen Elizabeth! Laughter abounds in this offbeat Monty Pythonesque farse about everyone's favorite bard.

Ratings and reviews

This film was hilarious. I just couldn't stop laughing. The subject matter is great and the way the story presented it was even better. I've seen Mathew Baynton in The Other Mans and You, Me and the Apocalypse and I think he's hilarious and he doesn't disappoint as Bill either. Other's are comparing this to Monty Python and while there are a few aspects of that, eg "Bring out your dead", it's much more akin to Blackadder. There is a distinct difference between the two and this falls more in line with the latter, but is just as funny. If you love Shakespeare and are a fan of British Comedy, you'll love this film.

I have not laughed this much at silliness in quite a long time. This movie was genius in it's storytelling, clever in its subtle literary jokes, and felt like a truly affectionate homage to Monty Python, even if that might not be the goal. Very impressed and love that I can watch with my family and everyone will have something to enjoy.

Anything these actors touch is always comedy gold. If Monty Python was a staple in your home growing up, this movie will definitely illicit some huge laughs. I particularly love that each actor plays multiple roles throughout. Give this one a watch, you won't be sorry!