Shakespeare prepares Mendes for Bond

Sam Mendes has spoken of the strong similarities between Shakespeare and James Bond and how the Bard helped him in his preparation for directing the upcoming Bond film Skyfall.

The Oscar-winning director is currently editing Skyfall before its autumn release, as well as executive producing the upcoming BBC series of films of Shakespeare's English history plays.

Mendes told Mark Lawson on BBC Radio 4's Front Row that his experience with Shakespeare meant he was used to taking on national institutions.

Front Row is on BBC Radio 4 week nights at 19:15 BST, or you can listen to the full interview again on BBC iPlayer.