"Exit, pursued by a bear!"

In The Winter's Tale King Leontes rips his family apart but grief opens his heart. Will he find the child he abandoned before it is too late?

This production of Shakespeare’s play is staged for the screen by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Directed by Erica Whyman, the play is set across a 16-year span from the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II to the moon landings. This play is probably best known for its (in)famous stage direction "Exit pursued by a bear", but is so much more, and can be seen as a comedy or a romance, depending on your point of view.

"The production, as a whole, bursts with imagination and energy" (The Guardian ★★★)

"Autolycus can be a touchstone for personal taste and Anne Odeke was delicious here across the whole gamut, from singing voice through to cream-cake comedy" (The Arts Desk ★★★)

“Enchanting” (The Times ★★★★)

“Engaging and high-spirited” (The Stage ★★★★)

Genre Drama
Recording location The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
Production year 2021
Duration 169 minutes
Stage Director Erica Whyman
TV Director Bridget Caldwell
Distribution DVD Naxos Rights (Europe) Ltd
Distribution VOD / SVOD Naxos Rights (Europe) Ltd
Production Company Royal Shakespeare Company