William Shakespeare

Rufus Wainwright has divided opinion with a recent performance of his new album 'Take All My Loves: 9 Shakespeare Sonnets', a celebration in the 400th anniversary of the playwright's death, which took place at the Church of St John-at-Hackney in London this week.

Rufus Wainwright does Shakespeare

It's not the first time the singer-songwriter has put the words of Shakespeare to music. 'Sonnet 10', 'Sonnet 20' and 'Sonnet 43' all appear on his 2010 album 'All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu' and he even worked with Michael Kamen on 'Sonnet 29' ('When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes') on the 2002 compilation 'When Love Speaks'. This, 'Take All My Loves', though, is his first major tribute to the legendary English writer and features readings from Carrie Fisher, Helena Bonham Carter and William Shatner, as well as singing prowess from Florence Welch and Austrian soprano Anna Prohaska, with instrumentation from the BBC Symphony Orchestra and members of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Continue reading: Critics Torn Over Rufus Wainwright's Performance Tribute To Shakespeare's Sonnets

To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of the world's most renowned playwright William Shakespeare, we reflect on the best interpretations of his work that have ever hit the big screen. From all Kenneth Branagh's flawless performances to Baz Luhrmann's brave modern adaptation, these are simply the best moments of Shakespeare in cinema.

'Henry V' was Kenneth Branagh's directorial debut

1. Henry V (1989): Kenneth Branagh's directorial debut and a career he never looked back from since, 'Henry V' was followed by 'Much Ado About Nothing', 'Hamlet' and 'Love's Labour's Lost'. Branagh has starred in every Shakespeare film he's directed apart from 'As You Like It', and directed every Shakespearean film he's ever starred in apart from 'Othello'. 'Henry V' won Best Costume Design at the Oscars, with nominations for Best Director and Actor.

Continue reading: From 'Romeo + Juliet' To Macbeth: 11 Of The Best William Shakespeare Adaptations In Cinema History

The Tony Awards always promises to be a night of drama, stirring songs and as many celebrities as it is physically possible to pack into the Radio City Music Hall, New York. As it's always something of an occasion even for those who haven't tread the Broadway boards, here's what we know so far about tonight's award ceremony:

Hugh Jackman will host the awards for the fourth time.

Hugh Jackman - The Host 

Continue reading: Tony Awards 2014: What We Know About The Award Ceremony So Far

Benedict Cumberbatch is set to play Hamlet on the London stage next year, in what could become the making of the quintessentially British actor. The 37-year-old will star in William Shakespeare's classic tragedy at the Barbican Theatre from August to October 2015.

Benedict Cumberbatch Will Play Hamlet On-Stage

Lyndsey Turner will direct the play for Sonia Friedman Productions. Friedman herself said she was "thrilled" to be producing the show, describing its star as "one of the most gifted and exciting actors of his generation." 

Continue reading: With 'Hamlet', Benedict Cumberbatch Could Become Stage Great