How a bitter 16th-century insult became the name of a modern sitcom
In short: In 1592, rival writer Robert Greene insulted William Shakespeare as an 'upstart Crow' stealing others' feathers. Decades later, Ben Elton transformed this venomous critique into a celebrated BBC comedy, blending historical research with sharp, modern wit to humanize the world's most famous playwright.
The BBC Two sitcom *Upstart Crow* premiered on 9 May 2016, coinciding with the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. Written by Ben Elton, the show draws its title from a specific jab found in Robert Greene's 1592 pamphlet, *Groats-Worth of Wit*, where Greene disparaged Shakespeare as an 'upstart Crow, beautified with our feathers.' This historical friction serves as the foundation for a series that explores the domestic and professional life of the Bard.
The narrative begins in 1592, following Shakespeare—played by David Mitchell—as he moves beyond the early recognition of his poetry and plays like *Henry VI* and *Richard III* toward the staging of *Romeo and Juliet*. The writing employs various theatrical devices, such as asides and soliliqquies, while intentionally nodding to modern television styles like *Blackadder* and *The Office*. It even uses anachronistic humor, such as Shakespeare's coach journeys between London and Stratford mirroring modern motorway travel.
While the show is noted for its 'knockabout' humor and 'stimulatingly literate' script, it is deeply rooted in historical detail. Critics like Julia Raeside have noted Elton's effort to ground jokes in the lives of ordinary 16th-century folk. The series also features a 17th-century English country dance tune called 'Jamaica' as its theme music, though the piece was published in John Playford's *The Dancing Master* in 1670, long after the show's primary setting.
Beyond the screen, the project expanded into a stage play at the Gielgud Theatre in 2020, later enjoying a ten-week run at the Apollo Theatre in late 2022. Through its blend of historical accuracy and comedy, the show aims to make Shakespeare more accessible to younger audiences, proving that laughter can be a gateway to classical literature.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Upstart Crow
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