Helen McCrory joins BILL cast as Queen Elizabeth

Helen McCrory is delighted to join the cast of BILL as Queen Elizabeth.

Acclaimed British actress Helen McCrory is best known for her roles as Narcissa Malfoy in Harry Potter and Cherie Blair in the film the Queen. Helen's award winning career also includes roles in Martin Scorsese's Hugo, Skyfall and Fantastic Mr Fox.

Also renowned for her work in theatre, McCrory has been nominated twice for the Laurence Olivier Awards (for her roles as Rosalind in As You Like It and Libby in The Last of Haussmans). She was also nominated for a London Evening Standard theatre award for her role as Elina in Uncle Vanya.

Directed by Richard Bracewell (The Gigolos), BILL tells the story of what really happened during Shakespeare's 'Lost Years' - how hopeless lute player Bill Shakespeare leaves his family and home to follow his dream. It’s a tale of murderous kings, spies, lost loves, and a plot to blow up Queen Elizabeth!

BILL also stars the BAFTA Award-winning lead cast of BBC TV’s Horrible Histories and Sky One’s Yonderland - Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond – who together play 40 roles in the film.

The script is written by Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond, and developed through BBC Films and produced by Cowboy Films/ Punk Cinema. Richard Bracewell directs, and the film is produced by Charles Steel, Alasdair Flind and Tony Bracewell.

BBC Films, the BFI, Screen Yorkshire through its Yorkshire Content Fund and LipSync will finance. Koch Media will distribute the film in the UK, Germany and Scandinavia.

BILL is released in cinemas across the UK on 20th February 2015, with previews on 18th and 19th February