London: Britain is marking the 400th death anniversary of its most famous playwright, William Shakespeare, with a special set of commemorative stamps. The stamps feature famous quotations from Shakespeare's world famous plays, including 'Romeo and Juliet', 'Hamlet', 'Macbeth' and 'The Tempest'.
The 10 first class stamps featuring famous phrases from the playwright's repertoire are being published to mark the impact his writing still makes today, the Royal Mail said today. "It is fitting that Shakespeare is being honoured with a
set of stamps to mark the 400th anniversary of his death. The stamps celebrate the power of his language which continues to influence us every day," said Philip Parker from Royal Mail.
Next week's post will also be printed with a special post mark, showing the dates that Shakespeare lived. Shakespeare is believed to have died on his birthday, 23
April, in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1616. Cultural institutions across Britain are planning an array of productions, events to pay tribute to the Bard, including a huge performance of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' from the Royal Shakespeare Company with a cast of nearly 700.
The British Film Institute (BFI) is launching its largest Shakespeare on film programme to date and Queen Elizabeth II will display treasures relating to the royal family's admiration for Shakespeare at Windsor Castle.
