The Influence of Shakespeare on Popular Culture

The plays of William Shakespeare have, of course, been produced, adapted, and reimagined many, many times over the years, both on stage and on screen. There have been countless productions of Macbeth, for example, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream remains a favorite for all ages. Or, you may have seen a production of Measure For Measure set in a war-ravaged Vienna post World War Two (as the Royal Shakespeare Company updated the play in 2003). However, equally fascinating, are the countless ways in which Shakespeare’s works have had an impact upon our popular culture today. His influence spreads across stage, screen, music, and literature, and no list can do justice to the depths of his cultural domination. Every generation continues to be in the Bard’s debt as his plots, characters, and language inspire our imaginations. Here, we explore several examples of successful reimaginings of Shakespeare’s works.

Key Dates & Events

• 1564 - William Shakespeare was born and baptized in Stratford-upon-Avon.
• 1582 - Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway and their daughter, Susanna, was born six months later.
• 1585 - The beginning of Shakespeare's 'Lost Years'. He leaves Stratford and disappears from all records until he appears in London in 1592.
• 1609 - The first edition of Shakespeare's Sonnets were published.
• 1623 - 'Mr. William Shakespeare's Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies', commonly referred to as the First Folio, was published.
• 1957 - The Broadway production of West Side Story opened and was subsequently nominated for six Tony Awards. It was adapted for film in 1961.
• 1966 - Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival before opening in London’s West End the following year. It was adapted for film in 1990.
• 1967 - The Beatles released “I Am the Walrus” as the B-side to the single “Hello, Goodbye”.
• 1981 - Dire Straits released “Romeo and Juliet”.
• 1985 - The Japanese film Ran was released in cinemas.
• 1989 - Elvis Costello released “Miss Macbeth”.
• 1994 - The Lion King was released in cinemas.
• 1999 - 10 Things I Hate About You was released in cinemas.
• 2008 - Taylor Swift released “Love Story”.
• 2011 - Gnomeo and Juliet was released in cinemas.
• 2019 - & Juliet opened in London’s West End.