It was a hugely popular Oscar-winning movie -- now Shakespeare in Love has made the transition from the big screen to the West End stage.
The early reviews are strong for the Disney-backed show -- five stars from the British Daily Telegraph and Independent newspapers -- and the actors won a standing ovation for their efforts on opening night.
The lead role of Will Shakespeare is taken by actor Tom Bateman.
SOUNDBITE, Tom Bateman, actor, saying (English):
"We knew that we had a show that people enjoyed and I think we were just wanting, just for tonight, out of tradition, we wanted it to really go down well with everyone watching it and they all got up on their feet so we can't ask for anything more so we are very happy, yes."
Tom Stoppard's screenplay was adapted by award-winning English playwright Lee Hall, who retained much of the dialogue from the movie.
He hopes success in London means producers will consider a move to Broadway.
