More Laughs Than You Can Shake-A-Speare at, ‘Bill,’ A Fresh New Comedic Interpretation of William Shakespeare,
Comes to Cinemas Across the U.S. on April 11, 2016
DENVER – February 25, 2016 – BBC Worldwide North America and Fathom Events commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death with the release of “Bill,” a comedic, fictional tale of how Bill became William Shakespeare. This offbeat Monty Python-esque farce stars Mathew Baynton (The Wrong Mans, Bob The Builder) as William Shakespeare along with husband and wife duo – Damian Lewis (Billions, Homeland) as swashbuckling Sir Richard Hawkins and Helen McCrory (Peaky Blinders, Fantastic Mr. Fox) as Queen Elizabeth. With special behind-the-scenes access including interviews with cast and crew, this tale of murderous kings, spies, conspiracy and lost loves comes to select U.S. movie theaters for one night on Monday, April 11 at 7:00 p.m. local time.
Tickets for “Bill” can be purchased beginning Friday, February 26 online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 400 movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
Bill, having been fired as lead lute player from his band, Mortal Coil, sets out to find his fortune in London. When he meets debt-riddled London playwright, Christopher Marlowe, Bill believes his big break has come when the Earl of Croydon offers to put on his play for Queen Elizabeth. Meanwhile in Madrid, King Phillip II of Spain has hatched a plan to rid the world of his mortal enemy, Queen Elizabeth, and seize the English throne for himself. Sneaking into England with a motley crew of assassins, Phillip fools a desperate courtier, the Earl of Croydon, into helping with his devilish plot; but little does he know, King Phillip is using Shakespeare’s first work as the centerpiece in his plan to assassinate the Queen.
“Bill” is directed by Richard Bracewell (The Gigolos) and the producers are Charles Steel (one of the producers of Academy Award-winning The Last King of Scotland), Alasdair Flind and Tony Bracewell. It is a Cowboy Films/Punk Cinema production and has been developed and funded by BBC Films, with the BFI’s Lottery Fund, Screen Yorkshire through its Yorkshire Content Fund and LipSync. Independent Film Company handled international sales.
“The creators of ‘Bill’ have paid clear homage to the influence of Monty Python in this movie. It’s a wonderful parody on what might have been Shakespeare’s ‘lost years’ told in that unique British comedic tone. We hope fans of British comedy will thoroughly enjoy it,” said Soumya Sriraman, EVP Franchise and Digital Enterprises.
“We love partnering with BBC to provide audiences with special behind-the-scenes access to a variety of programming and ‘Bill’ is no exception. What a great way to tell the story of William Shakespeare’s life in a way that is fun and entertaining – using typical Brit wit and humor,” said Fathom Events Vice President of Programming Kymberli Frueh.
For artwork/photos related to “Bill,” visit the Fathom Events press site.
About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the event cinema distribution arm of AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), the three largest movie theater circuits in the U.S., and is recognized as the leading distributor of alternative content. It offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events in movie theaters nationwide that include live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, dance and theatre productions such as the Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre Live’s Hamlet, sporting events like FS1 Presents USA v Mexico, concerts with Roger Waters and One Direction, the TCM Presents classic film series and faith-based events such as The Drop Box and Four Blood Moons. Fathom Events also takes audiences behind the scenes and offers unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. In addition, Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 875 locations in 179 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.
About BBC Worldwide North America
BBC Worldwide North America is the main commercial arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) operating in the U.S. and Canada. The company exists to maximize the value of the BBC’s assets for the benefit of the UK license payer and invests in public service programing in return for rights. The company operates four businesses in the territory – linear and digital content sales and co-productions, consumer products, BBC.com, and two production divisions – BBC Worldwide Productions, responsible for the smash hit Dancing with the Stars and the U.S. version of Top Gear; and Adjacent Productions, producers of Da Vinci’s Demons, Life Below Zero, and Ladies of London, among others. The company also owns a 50.1% share in cable channel BBC AMERICA through a joint venture with AMC Networks.
About Cowboy Films
Cowboy Films is an independent production company whose previous credits include feature films such as The Last King of Scotland, which won the Academy Award for Best Actor and the BAFTA Award for Best British Film; Goodbye Charlie Bright; The Hole; and the documentary features Fire in Babylon and Marley. Cowboy recently produced the feature How I Live Now and the TV series of Top Boy (which won both the Royal Television Society and Broadcast Awards). Cowboy Films is currently in post-production on Kevin MacDonald’s film Black Sea for Focus Features and Film4, starring Jude Law.
About Punk Cinema
Punk Cinema makes original British feature films. Founded in 2004 by brothers Richard and Tony Bracewell, credits include The Gigolos and Cuckoo.
