LIVERPOOL-BORN David Morrissey, currently winning acclaim for his portrayal of Macbeth at the Everyman theatre, is to boost his Shakespearean credentials further still with a starring role in a new TV production of Richard II.

Morrissey is among a long list of acting talent lined up for a new Shakespeare season, on BBC Two, set to include adaptations of the playwright’s most acclaimed historical works. The screening of the films is linked to the 2012 Cultural Olympiad, which is billed as the largest cultural celebration in the history of the modern Olympics and Paralympics.

Morrissey, 46, who started his acting career at the Everyman Youth Theatre, will join Patrick Stewart and David Suchet for the new TV production of Richard II.

The season, which will take a fresh look at the Bard’s life and works, will also include adaptations of his history plays Henry IV Parts I and II and Henry V, set in the medieval period and filmed on locations around the UK and mainland Europe.

Ben Stephenson, BBC drama controller, said: “A fitting ensemble of some of this country’s finest acting talent have assembled for Richard II, the first of four film versions of Shakespeare’s history plays on BBC Two in 2012. Shooting entirely on location, the director Rupert Goold brings a scale never before attempted on TV to the work, by using St David’s Cathedral, and Pembroke Castle, in Wales, to give audiences something entirely unique.”