A superlative collection of Jacobean comedies and tragedies from ‘our other Shakespeare’, Thomas Middleton.

One of the most prolific playwrights of the Jacobean era, Thomas Middleton achieved great success with his cynically satirical comedies and bloodthirsty tragedies. Considered the only true rival to Shakespeare, Middleton is widely believed to have collaborated with the Bard on several plays, including Timon of Athens. This dazzling collection comprises dramatisations of his most famous works, including his two masterpieces, The Changeling and Women Beware Women.

The Changeling – Betrothed to the nobleman Alonzo de Piracquo, Beatrice-Joanna falls in love with Alsemero and seeks the help of her father’s man, De Flores. Anna Madeley and Zubin Varla star in this updated retelling of Thomas Middleton and William Rowley’s dark tale of lust, obsession and murder, set in Alicante in the 1920s.

Women Beware Women – When Leantio’s beautiful wife Bianca catches the eye of the duke, the worldly Livia arranges an assignation, plunging Bianca into the vice and corruption of the court. Penny Downie and Beth Chalmers star in Thomas Middleton’s poetic tragedy where women are the worst betrayers.

A Chaste Maid in Cheapside – Moll Yellowhammer’s parents are determined to marry her to the arrogant Sir Walter Whorehound, but her love for the impoverished Touchwood Junior upends their plans… Set in 17th Century London, Middleton’s bawdy black comedy depicts a world of sexual hypocrisy and deceit. Starring Sarah Badel, Dilys Laye, Hugh Paddick and Norman Rodway.

A Trick to Catch the Old One – In debt to his greedy uncle Lucre, the spendthrift Witgood devises a cunning scheme to get back his estates and marry his love. Alan Rickman, Maurice Denham and Dilys Laye star in this city comedy about avarice and the power of money.

A Mad World, My Masters – Follywit, kept penniless by his rich grandfather, Sir Bounteous Progress, devises an ingenious plot to get his hands on his inheritance – but will he get a taste of his own medicine? Starring Roy Marsden and James Villiers.

The Honest Whore – In this two-part comedy by Thomas Middleton and Thomas Dekker, the prostitute Bellafront falls in love with the courtier Hippolito, but his heart belongs to another. Joss Ackland and Madi Hedd star in this irreverent satire of Jacobean society.

First published 1604 (The Honest Whore Part 1), 1605 (A Trick to Catch the Old One; A Mad World, My Masters), 1613 (A Chaste Maid in Cheapside), 1621 (Women Beware Women), 1622 (The Changeling), 1630 (The Honest Whore Part 2)